This summer, a new public art initiative is bringing contemporary art directly to Deansgate as Grit Studios launches a rotating programme of artist-led window exhibitions at Great Northern Warehouse.
Located at 237-239 Deansgate, the free-to-visit exhibition space transforms a street-facing window into a temporary gallery and working studio, inviting passers-by to discover both finished artworks and the creative process behind them.
Open since 14th June, the programme will showcase a different Grit Studios artist each month, celebrating the diverse creative talent within Manchester’s studio community. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of disciplines, from painting and printmaking to embroidery.
The first exhibition, Love Notes to Manchester, features painter and Greater Manchester Arts Prize winner Helen Davies. Inspired by her experiences of living in the city, the collection of oil paintings captures moments of everyday life, connection and atmosphere, creating a personal portrait of Manchester and the people who make it.
Throughout her month-long residency (until 14th July), Helen will also paint live in the window several times each week, giving visitors the rare opportunity to watch new work take shape in real time.
Each monthly takeover will bring a fresh perspective to the space, creating an evolving exhibition programme that reflects the breadth of contemporary art being produced across Manchester today.
Developed in collaboration with Great Northern Warehouse, the initiative reimagines how art can be experienced in the city by removing traditional barriers between artists, galleries and the public. By bringing creativity onto one of Manchester’s busiest streets, the programme aims to make contemporary art more visible, accessible and part of everyday life.
The exhibition programme is free to visit at 237-239 Deansgate.
Grit Studios CIC provides affordable studio space for artists, makers and creatives, while continuing to build stronger connections between creatives, communities and the spaces they share.
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