MIF23: Ryan Gander, The Find at various locations around Manchester

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Image by Lee Baxter.

29 June — 16 July 2023 Entrance is free

Take a walk through the streets of Manchester and join the excitement of a treasure hunt in The Find, a new commission from artist Ryan Gander for Manchester International Festival 2023.

If you don’t fancy getting competitive, fear not – hundreds of thousands of coins will be hiding in plain sight across various locations in central Manchester, and, in a new development, across Greater Manchester. From park benches and steps to food courts and libraries, or even tucked away between tram seats, these coins offer more than just the thrill of the find. Each one is a collectible artwork with some words of wisdom designed to guide its owner in any decision-making process.

The Chester-born artist already has a connection with the North, and more specifically with Manchester, where he studied at Manchester Metropolitan University. Gander’s practice is a varied one, ranging from sculpture and performance to film, writing and graphic design.

Ryan Gander, The Find, Manchester, International Festival, Credit Lee, Baxter , Courtesy Factory International
Ryan Gander, The Find, Manchester, International Festival, Credit Lee, Baxter , Courtesy Factory International

 

His work will often make you look and look again as you spot a familiar reference with an unexpected twist. Gander’s interested in the everyday, but his works often involve a process of finding clues and unravelling the mystery of their meaning although he is adamant that there is no single answer and that his work can be interpreted however the viewer chooses to do so. His only desire is to make us question what we see.

So join The Find, and if you do indeed find a coin, keep it as a talisman, pass it on to a loved one, or snap a photo to boast about your discovery. There are three designs to collect, too, so leave your phone in your pocket and look around – the opportunity is too good to miss.

As one of the free ways to enjoy MIF23 The Find encourages us to rediscover our surroundings taking joy and wisdom from the city we live in.

In a new development, you now have even more opportunities to find one of these coins, with MIF having expanded The Find across more areas in Greater Manchester. Keep your eyes peeled in the following places:

  • Aviva Studios and Festival Square
  • Alexandra Park in Moss Side
  • Broadfield Park in Rochdale
  • China Town
  • Crumpsall Park
  • Gay Village, Sackville Gardens and Vimto Park
  • Heaton Park in Higher Blackley
  • Northern Quarter (at Cutting Room Square and New Islington Marina), Fred Aldous and Ancoats
  • Mayfield Park
  • Peel Park in Salford
  • St Anne’s Square and Exchange Square
  • St Peter’s Square, Central Library and Spinningfields
  • Wythenshawe Park

 

29 June — 16 July 2023 Entrance is free

Where to go near MIF23: Ryan Gander, The Find at various locations around Manchester

Carden Park
Cheshire
Hotel
Carden Park

Huge luxury estate, featuring high-end restaurant, beautiful rooms, a fully-packed spa and much more.

We sell comics, graphic novels, manga, role playing games, board games, collectible card games, merchandise, apparel and much more besides!
Leeds
Shop
Travelling Man Leeds

A quirky little shop for comics, graphic novels, role-playing and board games, with frequent in-store events.

Further North
Leeds
Bar or Pub
Further North

Kind of like your front room, but with better beers and no television, Further North was one of the first microbars to open in Leeds and remains a staple today.

Wax Bar
Leeds
Bar or Pub
Wax Bar and JukeJoint

The Wax Bar and JukeJoint is a trendy, funky new bar with an old school theme running right through the middle from the Americana jukebox, to the vinyl records and player, old-style radio, 1980s ghetto blasters acting, quite effectively, as bar shelves and the lampshades on the walls that have been made out of classic cassette tapes.

House of Fu Leeds
City Centre
Restaurant
House of Fu Leeds

A Japanese-inspired restaurant speciaising in ramen and handmade dumplings, with a karaoke cocktail bar and lounge upstairs.

GET BAKED Opening Day
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
GET BAKED

Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.

Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo. Our Edwardian estate is truly a great place for a family day out, with plenty to keep children and grown ups entertained! The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year. We have two playgrounds which means there's plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy. Our evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight of any visit and we'd highly recommend popping by to see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, our resident porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. Stop in at the shop on your way to pick up your very own version of one of our Lotherton
Café or Coffee Shop
Lotherton Hall and Estate

A truly great place for a family day out, discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World Zoo.

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