Future Cities. An exhibition

A season of exhibitions and events exploring imagined urban spaces at the intersection of art and architecture. 

From August to December 2019 ‘Future Cities’ brings together artists working with art and architecture, from Beijing to Manchester through a programme of free exhibitions, talks, film screenings, videogaming and more. The season explores the buildings, people and industries that make a city, as well as the digital infrastructures which characterise modern living, fostering cultural exchange between Manchester and China to explore the dynamic changes occurring in global cites.

Starting the season, CFCCA presents the group exhibition Future Cities: Technopolis and Everyday Life, which brings together artistic and architectural practices within an inspired architectural structure designed by Prof. Andong Lu of Nanjing University. Housed in Gallery 1 this exhibition will showcase artworks and art projects by: Lawrence Lek, Chiawei Hsu, Lawrence Lek, Zheng Mahler, Cinemuse Project Liam Young.

In Gallery 2, emerging artist collective Jiu Society will re-create their ambitious art project Lost in Shenzhen. This installation offers a fresh perspective into the life of Chinese megacities by celebrating their seldom-seen nightlife, illustrating the marvel and chaos contained within some of the world’s most rapidly developing regions. Both exhibitions run from 2 August to 20 October 2019.

Following this, from 25 October, video artist Cheng Ran will produce Diary of a Madman, Manchester Plan. Filmed in Manchester and with experimental live performance this work, commissioned by CFCCA, will serve as a new chapter in Ran’s acclaimed ongoing series Diary of a Madman, which has previous chapters from New York, Jerusalem, and Hong Kong., In Gallery 2 audiences can see paintings and sculpture by established Shanghai-based artist Cui Jie, which construct new urban landscapes by combining architectural disciplines across time and cultures. 

To run alongside the exhibitions there will be a full programme of events for all ages and interests, from Sci-fi poetry readings to a 3D Printing Architecture workshop. CFCCA also continues with its Thursday Lates on the last Thursday of every month when the galleries and shop stay open until the later time of 8pm, with optional events to attend exploring in more details themes of the season.

For this season, CFCCA will continue its residency programme, working with partner organisations in Hong Kong and Taipei to foster cultural exchange and provide opportunities for emerging North West based artists to spend time internationally, as well as giving two international artists an opportunity to spend three months in CFCCA’s purpose built living and studio space on-site at the gallery.

MORE DETAILS:

Future Cities: Technopolis & Everyday Life

Friday 2 August – Saturday 19 October 2019

Artists: Cinemuse Project, Chiawei Hsu. Lawrence Lek, Zheng Mahler, Liam Young