Manchester Open Tours at HOME
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
The Manchester Open is back. After previous years of this unique, homegrown and heartfelt exhibition being wildly successful, the 2022 Open Exhibition sees more than four hundred artworks, imagined and created by Greater Manchester Residents, populating the gallery at HOME. As is only appropriate for such a people focused event you can take a guided tour of the artworks on selected Saturdays during the duration of the exhibition.
Each tour is led by an artist, community representative or expert who will give you their highly personalised view of the collection. You’ll join them for a deeper look into the pieces that have caught their attention, giving you access to not just the artist’s world but the tour guide’s story or reasons as to why the piece stood out to them.
geographical commonality makes the Open Exhibition unlike anything else in the city
Every time the Open Exhibition happens, it brings the multidimensional face of Greater Manchester’s artistic interests into one room. It’s clear to see why the area has such a reputation for creativity, when exploring the breadth of media, subject material and aesthetic on display. However, the exhibition seems to connect with audiences in a different way because of how the focus is as much about the artists themselves as it is about the art. Even the most abstract of concepts is accessible when you know you are a bus ride away from the person who’s thought of the idea in the first place.
This geographical commonality makes the Open Exhibition unlike anything else in the city. It’s brilliant to see that the tours only emphasise this people focused approach to the art. Championing individuals with something interesting and personal to share about the exhibition.
Be sure to check the website for specific dates and times for tours. Whether you’re taking a tour or not, tickets have to be purchased in advance for entry, these are free though and easily bookable through the HOME website.
