Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Take Notice + more

Young, LGBTQIA & In The Suburbs at HOME (pictured)
A City Seen is HOME’s quarterly film programme, exploring the city through its charities and community organisations. For their third programme, they’re running a two-hour evening show under the banner ‘Young LGBTQIA & In The Suburbs’, which will showcase the works of the Zhoosh project. Zhoosh is a side-project of Tadem Theatre, which brings LGBTQIA kids from around the city together to create artistic and theatre projects, pairing them with prominent local arts scene figures, such as poet Jackie Hagan. HOME will be screening music videos and short films from Zhoosh participants, as well as hosting live readings and performances on the night. Whilst the event isn’t technically free to attend, the tickets are priced at a very generous £1.
Mon 7 Jan, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN, 6.15pm, www.homemcr.org

Take Notice at Manchester Art Gallery
On Tuesday, Manchester Art Gallery runs another of its regular Take Notice sessions: A lunchtime event that invites you to quietly contemplate the gallery’s collection and even meditate in front of your favourite piece. Mindfulness practitioners are on hand to guide you through a peaceful half-hour of calm art appreciation. These are drop-in sessions – no booking ahead is required – and you can stop by at either 12.15pm, or 1pm.
Tue 8 Jan, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL, 12.15pm – 12.45pm, 1pm – 1.30pm, www.manchesterartgallery.org

Intro to Improv at Central Buildings
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to try new things, you can make good on that promise with this improv comedy taster course from ImproQuo. ImproQuo run courses and shows all over the city, and this two-hour session at Oldham Street’s Central Buildings will take you through the basics, having you riffing and yes-anding your way to comic bliss in no time. It’s run by experienced instructors and aimed at people with little or no experience of the form. Booking ahead through the group’s website is essential if you want to guarantee yourself a slot.
Wed 9 Jan, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ, 7pm – 9pm, www.facebook.com