Free things to do in Manchester this week ft Maria Balshaw and Full Stop Exhibition

This week is especially jam-packed with free fun. From the boxfresh grandeur of the new Whitworth to a shrouded-in-mystery short film screening at Takk, there’s so many things to do that you’d better have an excellent excuse for staying indoors. One thing’s for sure: It really is an excellent week to be poor.

Maria Balshaw at Whitworth Gallery
Following its grand reopening at the weekend, the Whitworth starts a series of free, weekly talks starting with this from gallery director Maria Balshaw. With ten years experience in artistic direction, this is a must-see for cultureheads and an excellent opportunity to check out the refurbished gallery.
Tue 17 Feb, Whitworth Gallery, Oxford Road, M15 6ER, 11am-12.30pm, www.manchester.ac.uk 

Lightbox Project at the People’s History Museum (pictured)
Presented by energy company Utilita, this two-day drop-in exhibition in the Museum’s engine room offers a smorgasbord of family-friendly tech activities. From assembling basic circuits to programming small robots to 3D printing, it covers everything that might excite or enthrall the tiny nerd in your life.
Tue 17 Feb – Wed 18 Feb, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER, 10.30am-4pm, www.utilia.co.uk

Full Stop Exhibition at Cornerhouse
As the Cornerhouse’s artistic remit is transferred to a new HOME, the legendary cinema/gallery/bar will be closing its doors, but not before it puts on one last exhibition. The gallery space has been handed over to a roster of Manchester artists from a range of disciplines. It’s your last chance to see this unique space put to its best use.
Thu 19 Feb – Thu 2 April, Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, M1 5NH, www.cornerhouse.org

In Real Life Book Launch at 3MT
3MT hosts the launch of Manchester author Chris Killen’s second novel In Real Life. Also includes readings from four other writers and an acoustic set from a member of Manc indie band Butcher the Bar. It’s free entry, although you’ll be able to pick up a copy of the book, which will obviously cost money, because books do.
Thu 19 Feb, 3MT, Afflecks Arcade, 35-39 Oldham Street, M1 1JG, 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

Winter Fly Screening at Takk
Solo musician Elizabeth Preston and Stranger Son of WB frontman Gareth Smith provide a live score to the debut screening of this new animation. Details are thin on the ground for this one, but it looks interesting nonetheless.
Thu 19 Feb, Takk, 6 Tariff Street, M1 2FF, 7pm-8.30pm