Free things to do this week ft. Mushtaq Abbas, Miners’ Strike + more

Mushtaq Abbas at CFCCA
This talk at the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, organised by photography network Redeye and entitled ‘When Photojournalism Forces You To Flee’, is the first UK appearance by Iraqi photographer Mushtaq Abbas. He’ll be talking about his career and the circumstances that caused him and his family to flee the Middle East. For more details, check out our full preview.
Tue 13 Sep, Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, Market Buildings, 13 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU. 6.30pm – 8pm, www.redeye.co.uk

Manchester Camerata at Common
This Tuesday, Manchester Camerata are staging this interesting small-scale performance at Common on Edge Street. Two of their virtuosos – Caroline Pether (violin) and Hannah Roberts (cello) – will be performing a range of classical and popular pieces for you to enjoy. We’ve got a full preview over here, if you want more information.
Tue 13 Sep, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, 8pm, www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk

Miners’ Strike Talk at WCML
The Working Class Movement Library in Salford is hosting a series of Invisible Histories talks over the next two months, starting with this one on the miners’ strike. Presented by writer and editor Granville Williams, it doesn’t just focus on the political context of the strike, but also takes a look at the artistic and cultural impact, as well as the widespread solidarity it inspired. To find out more about these talks, see our full preview.
Wed 14 Sep, Working Class Movement Library, Jubilee House, 51 Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX, Tel: 0161 736 3601, 2pm, www.wcml.org.uk

Tales of Whatever at Gullivers
Spoken-word titan Tales of Whatever returns to Gullivers with another themed night. This time, they’ll be talking about The Web, so expect all manner of true stories all about The Internet. Already confirmed on the bill are Kieren King, Flim Nite’s Jasmine Chatfield, Jennifer Banks and drummer with local band PINS Sophie Galpin. More will be confirmed on the night, and there’s still a handful of open mic slots available.
Wed 14 Sep, Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

Nick Hedges Exhibition at Burgess Foundation (pictured)
Photographer Nick Hedges is perhaps best known for his work documenting the urban slums and temporary housing of 1960s Britain. This exhibition makes use of his striking work and recontextualises it against the current housing crisis, with case studies and details of the ongoing work of Shelter and other organisations. It’s only a short-run exhibition, so make you get in before Sunday.
Thu 15 Sep – Sun 18 Sep, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 12pm – 5pm (Thu), 9.30am – 5.30pm (Fri-Sun), www.eventbrite.co.uk