A free arts fair is taking place this Sunday across the three Affinity Living buildings
There’s an abundance of art to be found around the city centre, from the ‘shushing Bowie’ of Stephenson Square to the distinctive murals by Qubek found dotted around.
However it’s a bit tricky to take those beloved works home with you, which is why art lovers will be pleased to hear the Art with Affinity fair will be taking place this Sunday afternoon (18 June).
Affinity Living - yes, those swanky apartments in Salford - are hosting the free arts fair in collaboration with event specialists Cotton on MCR from midday to 4.30pm across their three buildings - Riverside and Riverview on the Irwell, and Embankment West behind Chapel Street.
These events are key for Manchester based creatives, giving them the opportunity to present and sell their work to new audiences
Over twenty five local independent artists will be selling prints and paintings, ceramics (that’s jugs and mugs), textiles (fabrics and the like) and jewellery, all lovingly handmade for you to peruse and purchase.
There’ll be original paintings along the lines of Basquiat by Head nor Tail, swirling ceramics and colourful zip pouches by Weird Bird and jewellery made using wildflowers by Third Eye of Newt, as well as a raft of other dazzling arts and crafts.
A portrait artist will be on hand at Embankment West to create free five-minute sketches for you to take home, stare at and develop a complex over.
There’ll also be creative activities to take part in, including a ‘one minute brief’ workshop at Riverview, where you’re given a guideline and then - you guessed it - one minute to draw an idea.
A live interactive artist will also be creating a work in real time at Riverside, where some of the pieces involved will be given away in a competition on Affinity’s social channels.
Finally, and most crucially of all, you can bring your dog.
Cotton On MCR founder Domino Panton Oakley noted how important events like these are for local artists of all stripes to share off their wares.
“Art with Affinity is a great event not only for the residents at Affinity Living, but for anyone remotely interested in the arts or events in Manchester,” said Domino. “It covers so much, a fair to buy art for yourself, loved ones or for your home, plus interactive elements to have the opportunity to be creative yourself.
“Plus, the fact that there are cafes onsite too, makes for a great event. The fact that it's all free, means it's great for anyone to attend. These events are also key for Manchester based creatives, giving them the opportunity to present and sell their work to new audiences.”
Community Manager at Affinity Living, Charlotte Telfer, reiterated the opportunity to support the work of local artists, along with the most salient piece of info - bring your dog along!
“Affinity Living apartments are all about creating a community and connecting residents with the best of Manchester,” said Charlotte. “That’s why we’re so excited to be teaming up with Cotton On MCR – who are an integral part of Manchester’s independent art scene – and opening up our doors for an incredible public art event. We can’t wait to welcome local artists, residents, members of the public, and their four-legged friends to this free event!”
Entry will still be granted without a miniature Dachshund in tow, and all you need to do is purchase a free ticket on Eventbrite here.
Sundays are meant to be slow, so a gentle peruse of some handmade arts and crafts made by Manchester artists feels about the right pace. And it’s free - you can’t say much fairer than that.
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