Housed in the stunning Grade II* listed Hope Mill, AWOL Studios provides space for creatives to thrive. We asked AWOL Studios artists to respond to the theme CONNECTING SPACES and selected work which demonstrated this.
Manchester’s creative spaces are more than just buildings—they’re communities. Whether it’s the echoes of our industrial past in the architecture or the shared spirit of the artists within them, we believe in supporting each other and championing local creativity.
This exhibition is a celebration of that shared heritage and the artists who make this city so special. A huge thank you to Greater Manchester’s young people’s mental health charity, 42nd Street, for supporting the selection process.
We are delighted to introduce the 11 selected artists;
- James Bloomfield
- Anastasia Borodina
- Sharon Campbell
- Jason Carr
- Gherdai Hassell
- Sara Hindhaugh
- Sam Owen Hull
- Georgia Noble
- Akinyemi Oludele
- Sandra Robinson
- Jude Wainwright
The importance of supporting each other and championing Manchester City Centre’s creative spaces is critical. Whether it is similarities in our architecture or the mindset of the community. Together, we hope to celebrate the area’s rich heritage and recognise the artists who make this space so special.
EXHIBITION DETAILS CONNECTING SPACES opens on 12th April – 23rd August 2025
Free entrance
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm 2nd Sunday of the Month, 11am – 5pm
ACCESS: We welcome Guide and Support dogs and kindly ask that all dogs are kept on leads. The exhibition space is currently raised and not directly accessible for wheelchair or mobility aid users. However, the open layout allows the exhibition to be viewed comfortably from a distance. The exhibition will include Easier Read and Dyslexia-friendly interpretations, with plans to expand accessibility features after it opens to the public.
Select pieces will be available for purchase. Items can be collected after the exhibition. Please email exhibitions@craftanddesign.com, call 0161 832 4274, or pop into the office on the first floor.