esea contemporary

Creative Tourist
Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art CFCCA by Michael Pollard
Photo by Michael Pollard

Thanks to its dynamic programme of events and exhibitions celebrating artists of East and Southeast Asian heritage, esea contemporary (formerly Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, CFCCA) is widely regarded as the number one place for experiencing East and Southeast Asian contemporary art in the UK.

Established in 1986, originally located in Chinatown but now tucked away at the end of Thomas Street in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, esea contemporary presents and supports artists and art informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds. Alongside a regularly changing programme of new exhibitions, it also commissions new work and runs artist-in-residency schemes.

esea contemporary is also one of the only public art galleries in the Northern Quarter, alongside Manchester Craft and Design Centre, and a long-standing favourite for many. For these reasons, it more than warrants the title of one of the best galleries in Manchester.

Market buildings, Thomas StreetManchesterM4 1EU View map
Telephone: 0161 832 7271 Visit Now

Admission Charges

Free

Commercial and Hire Services

For Hire

Services and Facilities

Gallery, shop

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday12:00pm - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at esea contemporary

What's on near esea contemporary

Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Where to go near esea contemporary

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Trof Northern Quarter

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Ego Death

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Bar 21

A bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for fans of television and cinema science fiction. Enjoy food and drink amongst a off-beat selection of movie memorabilia.

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This & That Café

Eternally popular curry canteen taking its name from a time when patrons didn’t know what to call their orders, but pointed instead to a bit of “this” and “that”.

Wolf At The Door
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Wolf At The Door

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The Bay Horse Tavern

The Bay Horse Tavern is a laid-back pub based in the dead centre of the Northern Quarter, with a wide range of drinks and food options.

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