![A group photo of attendees at Sip and Paint, smiling and holding their paintings up](https://thumbor.factoryinternational.org/PBf5o2kymqx6R7NQmuSUf1iQyvo=/full-fit-in/900x600/filters:format(webp):quality(60)/https://publicydn4hdgozyjrg.blob.core.windows.net/public/dd/images/All_Photos_-_1_of_1_9.1dba8de.jpg)
- Date
- 19 Sep - 16 Oct 2024
- Venue
- The Social, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
- Tickets
- FREE, Pre-booking required
6–9pm
Suitable for all ages.
Running time: 3 hours.
Accessibility features available for this event: Wheelchair Access
Explore the Art of Resistance at our regular Sip and Paint evening – plus live painting from artist Ila Toda
Whether you’re an established creative or just want to try something new, come and embrace your inner artist at this popular painting evening – created by Cultureville and Sip and Paint McR.
This month, explore the spirit of defiance and the beauty of standing up for what you believe in through your artistic expression. From the struggle for justice to the fight for equality to the quiet rebellion of self-discovery, this session encourages you to channel your inner warrior on to the canvas.
Plus watch artist Ila Toda create a piece in real-time and browse the usual Black-owned pop-ups – including Eden L'esanz, Zeefarh and Cultureville.
Cultureville is a vibrant, African inspired sustainable fashion brand created by sisters Adeola and Ronke Jane Adelakun. Sip and Paint McR is a popular monthly event founded by Selina Chibanda.
All abilities welcome!
Next month's theme: Black Joy. Keep an eye out for details coming soon!
Tickets
Free to attend. Booking required.
Tickets for the session include painting materials and a canvas – plus a non-alcoholic drink.
Access information
Our full address is Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ and the what3words is chop.feeds.chase.
You can approach Aviva Studios along Water Street (coming from Quay Street) or along Liverpool Road (coming from Deansgate or Castlefield). Both entrances to the building have double sets of glass doors.
Once inside Aviva Studios, there is step-free access to all areas of the venue. The flooring throughout the building is smooth concrete.
The Social has a range of seating, including those with arms and backs.
The bars in the Social and Hall Foyer have lowered accessible service points.
Our building is large. We have portable stools available to borrow if you would benefit from resting along the way during your visit.
We have wheelchair spaces and seats at standing events for all events.
There are accessible toilets on all public levels of our building.
Accessible toilets are located inside the main toilets space in the brick arches of the Social.
Here you’ll find a mixture of accessible cubicles with left- or right-hand transfer, towards the back of the space, as well as ambulant accessible cubicles with grab rails, as well as a Changing Places facility.
The toilets in the brick arches of the Social are split into male, female and gender neutral – all of which contain accessible cubicles. There are shared handwashing facilities in each arch – they have soap dispensers under the mirrors to your left and dryers to the right. There are separate handwashing facilities inside the accessible cubicles.
There are additional single-room accessible toilets located in both Hall Foyers, at stalls and circle level.
There are additional single-room accessible toilets located in the Warehouse Foyer.
You do not need a key to use the accessible toilets at Aviva Studios.
Assistance dogs are welcome in our building, and we can provide mats and water bowls on request, just ask a host when you arrive. We can also take care of your assistance dog if you do not want to take your dog into the performance space. Please also refer to our assistance dogs policy.
If you are bringing an assistance dog to a ticketed event, please let us know in advance by contacting access@factoryinternational.org or calling our access phone number: 0161 817 4531 (phone lines are open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Travel information
Aviva Studios can be approached along Water Street (coming from Quay Street) or along Liverpool Road (coming from Deansgate or Castlefield).
Our closest stations are:
Salford Central station: 0.4 miles
Deansgate station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram: 0.6 miles
St Peter’s Square tram: 0.6 miles
Manchester Victoria station is approximately one mile from Aviva Studios
Manchester Piccadilly station is approximately 1.3 miles from Aviva Studios
Click on the links above to find detailed access information for each station.
By Bike
There are 40 bike parking spaces at Aviva Studios including space for two accessible bikes.
National Cycling Route 6 passes close to the venue and this TfGM webpage can help with route planning.
You can also hire bikes from on-street docking stations across the city centre. The closest docking stations to our venue are currently on Deansgate by Liverpool Road and (400m from the building) and by King Street (500m from the building). Take a look at Transport for Greater Manchester’s webpage for advice on cycle hire.
By Walking and Other Active Means
Aviva Studios can be approached along Water Street via Liverpool Road (coming from Deansgate or Castlefield).
If you're coming from Quay Street, the safest route to avoid construction works is via the cut-through opposite Gartside Street and past Booking.com.
All footways in the surrounding area are well lit and there are appropriate crossings across all main roads.
Pedestrians with visual impairment are recommended to approach the building via Water Street, from Liverpool Road. This route has traditional carriageway and footway design with fixed street furniture which should help with navigation to the entrance.
A footbridge at Left Bank in Spinningfields provides an accessible link across the River Irwell to Salford Central station, and a further footbridge also links Aviva Studios with the Salford area of Middlewood Locks.
Free bus services stop at all city-centre stations, and near to Aviva Studios along Deansgate, Bridge St and Quay St. Buses on these free routes are wheelchair accessible. For full details of the free bus routes, please visit the TfGM website.
Free bus services stop at all city-centre stations, and near to Aviva Studios along Deansgate, Bridge St and Quay St. Buses on these free routes are wheelchair accessible. For full details of the free bus routes, please visit the TfGM website.
Become a Member
Experience extraordinary, all year round by becoming a Member. It’s just £45 for 12 months of benefits including priority booking, discounts, offers and much more. Are you in?