Manchester Craft and Design Centre | Blog
Discover handmade at Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is home to the studios of some of the region’s most talented artists, designers and makers. Meet the makers and see them at work, be inspired by our changing exhibitions and events, or learn a new skill by taking part in a workshop. You can also grab a homemade bite to eat and a brew at the Cafe -all in the beautiful surroundings of our historic, covered Victorian fish market at Manchester Craft and Design Centre
I work in an old Victorian glass roofed beautiful building called Manchester Craft & Design Centre in the city’s Northern Quarter. We’ve been a centre for excellence in hand made work for over 30 years. There are 26 studios each housing different makers work along with work for external nationally recognised makers.
Experience the some of North West’s best contemporary craft and design at Manchester Craft and Design Centre.
The Aim
Manchester Craft and Design fosters and promotes public appreciation of contemporary visual art, craft and design by developing artistic understanding and participation, promoting high standards, and providing greater public access to the arts.
Visit
An oasis of calm in the city – we’re just five minutes from Manchester’s main shopping areas. Situated in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter with its coffee shops, restaurants, bars and independent retailers, our Victorian building – once the home of the city’s retail fish market – now features two floors of contemporary craft studios but is still complete with many of its original and quirky fixtures and fittings.
Cafe
Bursting with delicious, home-cooked food, all made from local and responsibly sourced produce, the cafe is a destination in its own right.
Exhibitions and Events
We host an exciting and varied exhibitions programme, showcasing the very best of both British and international contemporary craft and design. Our popular events programme gives you the opportunity to learn craft skills from our resident artists and exhibitors, and if you’re an aspiring or established designer-maker we offer a range of professional development activities as part of the Manchester Craft & Design Network.
Supporters
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is grateful for the generous support of Arts Council England and Manchester City Council. Our patron and Elbow frontman, Guy Garvey, has this to say:
“Years ago I’d sit and scribble in the cafe, or wander around the shops watching people work.
It’s one of those warm personal destinations that I’ll meet friends from out of town in, and if you like to give personal gifts then there is nowhere better in the North West. I’m very proud to be a patron.”
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