Arts and Literature

Tib Street (Charlotte Smithson)

Finding No. Quarter

The exhibition explores the different aspects of the Northern Quarter. What do you think is so special about the area?

"The Northern Quarter is the part of the city centre that has kept its charm and uniqueness amidst a city that has changed dramatically over the last few years. City and town centres are full of the same coffee shops, same clothes, same music, same everything, but the Northern Quarter isn’t like that.

"It has a uniqueness that can’t be rivalled, and that’s what I love about it, its independent bars and restaurants, clothes shops and music stores give it a certain edge that the rest of the city doesn’t have."

What's your favourite piece?

In Memoriam (UHC Collective)

"We have had a lot of proposals for this exhibition, which shows just how much interest and creativity there is in the Northern Quarter. It’s been difficult to narrow down the choices for the exhibition. We have some great murals that have been painted on to the wall, alongside photography, video installations and collages, but the one that I really appreciate is a sculpture entitled In Memoriam by UHC Collective. 

"The piece is a parking meter covered in a mourning hood. The piece was inspired by a sign in the window of a sewing shop on Oldham Street which marked its moving away after 30 years - the parking meter itself was phased out of Manchester in 1999.

"Manchester city centre is continually being developed and is always changing. This piece helps us to stop, and to reflect and value what has gone on before. The Northern Quarter is also a community; this exhibition helps us to reflect what this mean in the hearts of the people who live, work and play here."

Nexus is probably best known as a night cafe. Is this an effort to show other sides to the place?

"Nexus has been set up by the church as an expression of freedom that is at the heart of Christianity. It is a space where people can explore and use their gifts, as well as a space to listen and to welcome.

"It’s been open just over a year, and has become a home for artists, musicians, DJs and clubbers, a community is forming of people with different faiths and none. The night café, run by volunteers, exists to provide a safe space for people to come and relax and drink coffee whilst waiting for a taxi to take them home. 

"The art exhibition came out of artists who visited the night café and saw the potential of the space to exhibit, and so it’s been great to provide that space for them. It really is a great space, but it’s the community that makes it what it is."

The exhibition reflects the regeneration of the Northern Quarter. Are you the type to mourn the passing of the older buildings or embrace the new structures?

Rev Cris Acher

"I love the city, and the reason I do is because it doesn’t stand still. There’s always something to do or something new to see or try. If the city became stagnant then we’d lose the buzz and creativity that exists within it. It has to keep moving, keep changing.

"At the same time, we need to hold on to some of things that have made this city so great, and to remember its history. Manchester boasts some beautiful old buildings, which have been carefully and sensitively restored and used for other purposes. I think Manchester is an example of how the old can stand with the new and compliment each other in doing so."

Is there a place in the Northern Quarter that's that little bit more special to you than the rest?

"In a city which vibrates, the Northern Quarter has a unique and free beat, which is why I love being here. The Northern Quarter has some of the best bars, shops, entertainment and people within Manchester, but the one place that stands out for me is Night and Day.

"It holds some great memories of people I’ve shared nights out with, as well as of bands I’ve supported and bands I’ve been surprised by. I appreciate its history of giving people the opportunity to share their musical talent, which has paved the way for many artists."