Join us for an exhibition launch and panel discussion on the history of Black theatre in Manchester. Part of The Cultural Welcome 5-11 Oct.

Presented in collaboration with the Drama Department, Creative Manchester is delighted to host this exhibition exploring the artistry and entrepreneurship of people of African and Afro-Caribbean descent in theatre and performance in Manchester. The exhibition draws from library, museum and archive collections including Archives+ and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre in Central Library and celebrates the achievements of Manchester's homegrown talent, major artists who have performed in Manchester and the work of venues like Contact, Green Room, Nia Centre and the Royal Exchange Theatre in supporting and showcasing Black excellence.

You will have the opportunity to visit the exhibition and also to hear from the exhibition curators, academics and artists.

There will be a special treat for students joining us, please just bring your student ID.

This exhibition launch and panel event is part of the Oxford Road Corridor's The Cultural Welcome, returning from 5–11 October 2026, to offer students the chance to discover the rich arts, culture and heritage of the Oxford Road Corridor. Whether you’re new to the city or returning for another year, The Cultural Welcome is the perfect introduction to the people, places and experiences that make the Oxford Road Corridor one of the UK’s most exciting cultural destinations.

Accessibility

We want to make the event a positive experience for all participants.

Please see accessibility information about this venue here.

If you have particular access needs, please let us know in advance by providing details of any accessibility needs when registering for your ticket or by emailing us at creative@manchester.ac.uk.

About Creative Manchester

Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.

Register here to receive regular updates on upcoming Creative Manchester news, events and funding opportunities. You can also connect with Creative Manchester via our Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Photo credit: Benji Reid. Photo by Joe C Fildes

Description supplied by the event organiser.