MIF21: Portrait of Black Britain at the Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Fabio De Paola

Portrait of Black Britain at Manchester Arndale, City Centre 1 — 18 July 2021 Entrance is free — Visit now

This summer, the corridors of the Arndale will be flooded with more than just the faces of happy shoppers or the models in advertising campaigns. Throughout the 18 days of Manchester International Festival 2021, the shopping centre will play host to a major exhibition of photographs by the renowned artist, speaker and activist, Cephas Williams, marking the first phase in his ambitious project to create the largest ever collection of photographic portraits of Black people living in the UK.

Williams is already well known for his 2019 portrait series, 56 Black Men, which birthed a campaign to challenge the negative stereotyping of Black men in British media; and for his Letter to Zion, a powerful letter to his new-born son following the death of George Floyd, in which he pledged to help dismantle systemic racism in the UK through the creation of the Black British Network – an alliance of business leaders and organisations committed to removing barriers and improving the economic prospects of the Black British community.

Portrait of Black Britain not only seeks to increase the visibility of Black people living in the UK today, but highlight their stories, their achievements, and the contributions they make to society, through Black-led representation. The people photographed come from a wide range of backgrounds, from high-profile figures to those outside of the public limelight. The focus is on individuality, in an attempt to counter notions of the Black community of one monolithic group, and to champion narratives of success over trauma or tragedy. By the end of the project, Williams’ goal is to have created 1,000 portraits.

This promises to be a powerful and affirmative exhibition that rightfully sits at the heart of this year’s festival.

 

Portrait of Black Britain at Manchester Arndale, City Centre 1 — 18 July 2021 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near MIF21: Portrait of Black Britain at the Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester

Manchester
Hotel
Stock Exchange Hotel

The Stock Exchange is a brand new luxury hotel from celebrated Manchester United footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville’s GG Hospitality brand.

Manchester
Restaurant
The Butcher

A new addition to the Arndale’s Urban Playground, The Butcher serves up dishes made with the best quality meat available.

Manchester
Restaurant
Tender

Looking for an unforgettable afternoon tea service? Try Niall Keating’s Tender, at The Stock Exchange.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Habas Bar & Restaurant

Habas is a modern Middle Eastern-influenced restaurant in the very centre of Manchester and the latest venture from El Gato Negro’s Simon Shaw.

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Manchester
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63 Degrees

63 Degrees is brings French cuisine to Manchester’s Northern Quarter; the Parisian Moreau family who run it pride themselves on cooking with fresh ingredients.

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Manchester
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Moose Coffee Manchester

Moose Coffee celebrates ‘the best meal of the day’ (brunch) in American style, with stack pancakes, potato hash, Huevos Rancheros and eggs any way. There’s always a queue.

Manchester
Shop
House of Books & Friends

Playing a powerful role in the community, this venue functions as a bookshop, café and place to meet and chat with likeminded individuals.

Manchester
Restaurant
Chaophraya Manchester

Chaophraya is an upmarket but relaxed Thai restaurant based on Chapel Walks. It has won numerous awards, including Manchester’s best restaurant.

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