The Manchester Contemporary art fair at Spinningfields

Now in its fourth year, the Manchester Contemporary sees commercial galleries from across the UK showcase the work of their represented artists in Manchester city centre. Galleries include Rob Tufnell, Works|Projects, Cerri Hand and Arcade presenting the work of leading contemporary artists such as Ruth Ewan, Andy Holden, Juneau Projects and Anna Barham. The fair also hosts a selection of project spaces including Castlefield Gallery, The Chinese Arts Centre, Axisweb and the newly opened Manchester gallery, Paper, all of whom will be on site to talk about their work with artists and public programmes. A number of galleries have also initiated exhibitions elsewhere in the city. Artist John Wallbank, for example (represented by Arcade gallery) is undertaking a residency at Islington Mill in Salford (from Thu 20 Oct). Also at the Mill, Man&Eve gallery will present a group show Brittle Crazie Glasse, exploring the use of light as an activating agent. On the other side of the city, artist-led Malgras|Naudet gallery, Works|Projects, will present a group show at Rogue Artists Studios near Piccadilly. With visiting gallerists developing additional exhibitions alongside the fair for the first time, the yearly event is having a positive impact on the city’s arts community, initiating conversations between practitioners and curators alike and fostering future collaborations. A number of tours are running throughout the weekend – register here for free tickets. Check out the Art Walks and guided tours here.

Fri 28 – Sun 30 Sep, Various venues, Spinningfields, Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am – 6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm, free.  www.themanchestercontemporary.com