We’ve been missing the cultural wealth that Manchester has to offer whilst we #stayathome and we thought you might be too, so we’ve compiled some of the ways you can still connect with your favourite spaces, places and activities whilst in lockdown.

Band On The Wall

BOTW have been digging through their archive and will be picking out some of their highlights from gigs gone by. Watch this show from the incredible Sun Ra Arkestra, who celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2016.

Picks from the Vault: Sun Ra Arkestra

Central Library

Manchester Central Library have delved into their underground store and will be putting the spotlight on its fantastic and unique Special Collections and telling some of the stories behind them.

Contact

For the next seven weeks, Contact are giving a platform to seven freelance artists who will each suggest seven creative ideas to help you #TakeNotice with a different idea every day. We’re three weeks in so far and daily inspiration has included Dance O’Clock, Bread inspired poetry and self gratitude.

Company Chameleon

Bringing dance and movement into the mix, Company Chameleon share the wonder of dance in their online programme. Reimagine movement and get creative on their Challenge Tuesdays; enjoy powerful and original dance theatre from the comfort of your sofa on Theatre Thursdays; and join Kevin and Anthony, the Company’s Co-Artistic Directors, to get moving with your little ones on Family Fridays. Explore the programme on their website.

Manchester Art Gallery

As part of their And Breathe… series Manchester Art Gallery invites you to slow down and connect with art mindfully, moment by moment with four guided mindfulness audioguides accompanying some of the work in the city’s collection.

Manchester Camerata

Just launched by the Camerata is Mini Music Makers, a series of short music videos, each led by a different musician. The videos are designed for kids aged 5-7 who are at home with their parents and include games, music-making activities, craft and tunes. They’ll go live every week day at 10.30am.

Manchester Collective

Manchester Collective continue bringing us world class chamber music alongside unusual collabs with the likes of The White Hotel nightclub in Salford and electronic artist Vessel. It’s all part of their weekly Live in Isolation programme feat. live chats with guests, listening parties and a special broadcast on Facebook and YouTube each weekend.

Manchester Jewish Museum

Join Manchester Jewish Museum for a virtual picnic. Send them a photo of your favourite picnic food or of you picnicking with your friends, family or social clubs in easier times. You can also listen to people talking about picnic they used to go on in their oral histories.

Manchester Jewish Museum – Picnic with group of friends 1936

Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum have uploaded their digital content onto a mobile site so you can explore the museum in your home to entertain, educate & spark joy & wonder until they reopen.

Connection & inspiration is needed during challenging times like this. We’ve uploaded our digital content onto a mobile site so you can explore the museum in your home We hope it helps entertain educate & sparks joy & wonder until we reopen https://t.co/jEDimVQXB3#MMinQuarantine pic.twitter.com/Kx3Jzbk2Ye

— Manchester Museum (@McrMuseum) March 31, 2020

Oldham Coliseum

Oldham Coliseum has launched a new Mini-Podcast series. The first episode, 100 Word Plays (about Oldham) was released on World Theatre Day and features 17 short plays by well known writers including Julie Hesmondhalgh and Ian Kershaw as well as local emerging talent, read by a cast of 12 Greater Manchester actors.

People’s History Museum

The national museum of democracy is giving young people the chance to explore what a powerful tool for change in their own lives democracy can be, with the launch of Vital Voters. This digitally driven project invites under 18s on a journey through the past, present and future of democracy, encouraging them to shape their own future with the creation of a campaign film about the issues that matter to them. There is guidance on making a film from home, with all the best shorts to be added to the campaign gallery.

Royal Northern College of Music

Every Monday and Thursday RNCM will be live streaming lunchtime concerts at 1.15pm – the first two happened last week when pianist Brian Low performed live from the College’s Common Room, and a trio comprising of Cara Houghton, Rosie Spinks and Jasmin Allpress played live in their living room!

The Lowry

Love Lowry is a daily service of creative activities and art experiences for people to enjoy from their homes offering creative activities for children, adults and families, the opportunity to experience digital art designed to be experienced online and the chance to ‘watch again’ art experiences The Lowry has in its digital archive.

Z-Arts

Z-arts are moving their classes and activities online, sharing craft activities and class videos on their website and social media, and also hosting a number of classes on Facebook Live. They’re encouraging people to share their arts and crafts online and working to make sure they remain as accessible as possible to their families through online communication.

Plus…

Head here to watch and listen to BBC Philharmonic concerts.

Keep your eyes peeled for HOME’s Homemakers series from early-April onwards.

At 7pm every day United We Stream will showcase Manchester’s world class cultural talent with live bands, DJ’s, singers, comedy and cooking. It’s free to watch, but donations made will go to charity.

And of course keep an eye on our MIF Live announcements for events from previous Festivals, talks and discussions from international artists, as well as new works from Greater Manchester creatives.