Statement:

 Narratives is a vibrant and multifaceted exhibition by twelve artists involved in a recent six month residency, brought together by Venture Arts, The Lowry and Castlefield Gallery. Through a diverse collection of artworks spanning drawing, film, performance, sound and installation, the artists collectively explore personal histories, cultural heritage and shared connections. The artworks make a wide range of references, including TV specials, 1980s Moss Side, family heritage, comedy and reggae, supper clubs, and the inspiring ‘patron saints’ of the Narratives project: comedian Sid James, musician Sparrow Martin and performers Julee Cruise and Julie London.///

The exhibition is a culmination of a summer residency which took place at St Margaret’s Social Club in Whalley Range. The character of the club itself – the function room, changing rooms and surrounding football pitches – deeply influenced the work of the group and has inspired the appearance of the first gallery. Narratives is the third cycle of Venture Arts’ pioneering Conversations Series, a programme of artistic projects and residencies established in 2016, aimed at creating new work in a shared exchange of art and ideas. This programme brings together a range of learning disabled and non learning disabled artists, for reciprocal learning, and to develop collaborative and creative exchanges. Through this, we aim to open up conversations and new dialogues about the role of the artist in contemporary society