People’s History Museum launches a summer of creativity

People’s History Museum have unveiled their latest summer-long exhibition, Until It Looks Like This, alongside a brand new sculpture, The Manchester Argonaut, as part of its 2022/23 programme. Showcasing the work of twelve talented Venture Arts studio creators alongside the vibrant piece by Jason Wilsher-Mills, the exhibition forms part of PHM’s extensive two-year exploration of disabled people’s rights and activism.

Featuring ceramics, illustrations, print, photography, digital art, textiles and installations, the creations on display are the work of twelve artists from Venture Arts, a studio which helps learning-disabled and neurodivergent artists play an active role in the cultural sector.

A special Until It Looks Like This even takes place on Wed 27 Jul, with Michael Nash giving a tour of the exhibition and climate change-inspired illustrator and ceramicist Sally Hirst running a sensory textile workshop.

The result of a collaborative process with several community groups, Jason Wilsher-Mills’ The Manchester Argonaut is a ‘visual feast’ of vivid colour, intricate patterns and statement tattoos. Meticulously laced with beguiling creativity, the piece draws the viewer in and leads them to uncover its message about activism and disabled people’s rights while referencing the history, symbolism and music of Manchester – the Argonaut’s stance itself pays homage to Ian Curtis in celebration of his work to support disabled people. An internationally acclaimed artist, Wilsher-Mills describes his art work as a ‘positive and authentic depiction of activism and the rights of disabled people, which are sometimes overlooked by those who see the cost of everything, but the value of nothing, including human lives.’ Praised by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as ‘an incredible work’, The Manchester Argonaut will be on display until 28 January 2024.

The museum is free to visit, and tours, talks and workshops are available to book here.