A museum battle royale is currently taking place – and only you can decide who will win. Manchester Museum, Rochdale Pioneers Museum and Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre are three of 38 organisations up for the vote for Museums at Night, a joint venture from Arts Council England and Culture24. The project sees museums across the country battling it out for the participation of 10 artists in May. In Manchester Museum’s case, if they win the public vote, Richard Wentworth will bring an ‘exhibition in a night’ – comprising a cabinet of curiosity culled from the prized items of local collectors. We already know Wentworth enjoys Manchester, as we’ll see the fruits of his labour at MIF 2013 as he designs the space that will house do it 20 13 – a show curated by his long-time friend Hans-Ulrich Obrist. So vote now and we can enjoy three evenings in his company in May before the festival in July.
In Rochdale, Touchstones and the Pioneers Museum want your help to bring renowned British artist Susan Forsyth (pictured) to the town for a night-time, candle-lit spectacle drawing on Rochdale’s varied history. If successful, a ‘Zusammen Choir Procession’ involving the whole community will take place around the town centre, with children, individuals, community groups, choirs and musicians performing songs that highlight the legendary tales of St Chad’s goblin, John Bright’s campaign to end slavery, the mysterious tale of the Baum rabbit, Touchstones, the Rochdale Pioneers and the global co-operative movement.
Cast your votes via www.culture24.org.uk. Voting closes on Tuesday 5 March at 5pm and the winners will be announced on Friday 7 March.
Museums at Night takes place Thu 16 – Sat 18 May
- Words:
- John Stansfield
- Published on:
- Fri 1 Mar 2013
