Manchester Craft & Design Centre hosts a fabulous festive schedule of art exhibitions and handmade gifts

Manchester Craft & Design Centre (MCAD), the city’s epicentre of creativity, community and crafts, has transformed its two floors of independent studios and traders’ stalls into a winter wonderland of artisanal treasures, art exhibitions and festive food this Christmas.

From jewellery and ceramics to homeware, textiles and artwork, the centre’s resident makers offer a vast, wondrous array of gorgeous bespoke treasures to guarantee the perfect gift for everyone on your nice list, crafted on site with unrivalled attention to detail.

In the new year, MCAD kicks off its eclectic and absorbing workshop programme with ceramics, hand building with clay, screen printing on glass, cyanotype classes and much more. Click HERE to see the full schedule and book a memorable creative experience for you or your loved ones.

Open until Tue 24 Dec, the enchanting and poignant exhibition earth to heart showcases the beauty of ceramics and creativity as a means of profound healing, with a display of sculptural pieces inspired by nature and crafted by artist Lily Brown in collaboration with Imprints of Earth and the young people’s mental health charity, 42nd Street. Various pieces will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the creative community.

Launching in January 2025, the brand new exhibition Movement Through Materiality showcases an ambitious, innovative and urgent collection of works from Manchester School of Art graduates, with a thematic focus on how materials can both impact and be impacted by the environment.

There’s also a chance to win your own piece by entering the CERAMIX competition; taking inspiration from the exhibition, entrants are invited to collaborate on a ceramic drawing and submit their own creations for a chance to win one of two sculptures. You can drop your submission off at the office or email it to exhibitions@craftanddesign.com. Find out more HERE.

Fred’s, the beloved on-site MCAD cafe and bar, will be on hand as always with their exclusive seasonal menu, featuring everything from classic British staples and elevated comfort food to homemade crisps and cans of local craft beer.

If you’re spoilt for choice with the sprawling assortment of handmade delights on offer, MCAD also offers gift vouchers which can be used in any of their studios, on workshops and even at Fred’s cafe. Buy yours here and pick up a thoughtful present for your loved ones while supporting small businesses.

For more information, check out the Manchester Craft & Design Centre website.