Inspired by The Practice of Liberation by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, drop into creative sessions, enjoy a curator tour & unwind with a live DJ.

New to Manchester? Starting university or college? Or simply looking to meet other creative people?

Join us for a relaxed evening at the Whitworth designed for students and young people aged 16–25. Explore the gallery after hours, get creative, and meet new people in a welcoming atmosphere.

Inspired by The Practice of Liberation by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, (https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/michaelayearwood-dan/) you can drop into creative activities including painting, mindful mark making and paper cutting, enjoy a bite-sized curator tour of the exhibition, and unwind with music from a live DJ.

The Welcome Social marks the start of a new season of Whitworth Young Contemporaries (WYC), our creative programme for students and young people aged 16–25. Throughout the year, WYC brings people together through workshops, artist collaborations, social events and creative projects, bringing opportunities to meet new people, develop ideas and get involved.

If you'd like to hear about future events, you can sign up here (https://artgallery.manchester.ac.uk/p/7XOA-CZR/sign-up-to-our-newsletter?pfredir=1)to join our dedicated mailing list.

📅 Thursday 8 October 2026

⏰ 6pm - 8pm

📍the Whitworth

🎟️ Book your free tickets now

🌟Donations help us to present world-class events and exhibitions for free. Please consider making a donation with your ticket if you can.

The first 100 people to arrive will receive a free drink from the bar, and all students receive 10% off in the Whitworth Shop.

Part of The Cultural Welcome

Year-round student offer: Whitworth Young Contemporaries

Whitworth Young Contemporaries (WYC)is the Whitworth's creative community for students and young people aged 16–25.

Inspired by the pioneering Young Contemporaries movement, founded in 1949 and renowned for championing young, emerging artists including David Hockney, WYC builds on that spirit today by bringing together the next generation of artists, makers and creative thinkers.

Through workshops, artist collaborations, social events and creative projects, WYC offers opportunities to meet new people, develop ideas, explore your creativity and become part of a growing creative community at the Whitworth.

Whether you're an artist, studying a creative subject, or simply curious to try something new, WYC is a place to connect, create and discover new perspectives through art.

About the venue

The Whitworth is an accessible venue with facilities to support you during your visit, and alongside this our visitor team will be on hand to assist you in the gallery. Find out more about planning your visit (https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit/planyourvisit/) to the Whitworth and accessibility information (https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit/planyourvisit/access/) for you. If you’d like to speak to a team member about any access or additional needs, please get in touch with the gallery and we will be happy to assist you. Contact: whitworth@manchester.ac.uk or telephone: 0161 275 7450.

Description supplied by the event organiser.