Free things to do this week ft. Rachel Maclean, Whitworth Young Contemporaries + more

Rachel Maclean at University of Salford (pictured)
Rachel Maclean is one of the most distinctive, instantly-recognisable artists to come out of Britain in recent years: An artist whose surreal, candy-coloured digital artwork landed her a solo exhibition at HOME last year. She’s coming to Salford University’s New Adelphi Building this Wednesday for a free talk about her fascinating work, focusing on her latest film It’s What’s Inside That Counts. She’ll be talking about her process, how she creates these unique pieces and a little about how she sculpts the liquorice allsort nightmare world depicted in her films and prints.
Wed 25 Oct, New Adelphi Building, University of Salford, University Road West, Salford, M5 4BR. 1pm – 2pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Little Print Shop of Horrors Launch at Seven Brothers
Manchester-based design agency Creative Spark is running another of their print sales, and this year they’re taking over the Seven Brothers Beer House in Ancoats. Every year, the Little Print Shop of Horrors raises thousands of pounds for community charity Forever Manchester, and they’re looking to do the same with a fresh crop of printed treats. The prints on offer usually follow a Horror theme, but this year they’re branching out with a new TV box set theme ‘Netflix and Kill’. You can see work from celebrated local artists, such as Hammo and Mr. Peter, whose work work can be seen on posters (and daubed on walls) all over the city. This launch event promises booze, DJs and even a live printing demonstration.
Wed 25 Oct, Seven Brothers, 39 Blossom Street, Manchester, M6 4AD. 6pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Whitworth Young Contemporaries at The Whitworth
This Thursday evening the Whitworth Young Contemporaries – the gallery’s programme for young creatives aged 15-25 – present an evening of discussion and spoken word on the subject of ‘Black History and Black Reality’, set to coincide with artist Steve McQueen’s new installation Ashes (2002 – 2015). 19-year-old performance poet Isaiah Hull will be opening with a set, before WYC resident artist Patrick Farrell chairs a panel discussion on race and identity in Manchester. Following the discussion, there will a number of workshops to talk through some of the issues raised by Hull and the panel.
Thu 26 Oct, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 7450, 6pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Death Glooms Exhibition at Font Chorlton
A new exhibition of monochrome line drawings from artist Thomas Lodge – who goes by the moniker of Death Glooms – goes on display this week at Font Bar in Chorlton, and they’re having a free launch party this Thursday. Enjoy spooky cocktails and music courtesy of Font’s Fake Indie Night DJ’s whilst you peruse this macabre artwork. See our full preview for more details.
Thu 26 Oct, The Font, Chorlton, 115-117 Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PG. Tel: 0161 871 2022, 7pm, www.facebook.com