What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 4pm Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm Thursday 9:30am - 4pm Friday 9:30am - 4pm Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm

Venture Arts

Venture Arts is an award-winning visual arts organisation
working with learning disabled artists.

Venture Arts is a progressive visual arts charity based in Hulme, Manchester. We work alongside learning disabled artists to create and show exciting new contemporary visual art work, using a range of art mediums, including Illustration, Photography, Moving image, Animation, Textile art, Ceramics and Art as Environment. The organisation’s vision is to see learning disabled people play a valued and

valuable role within arts and culture as artists, critics, audiences, advocates and workers. To this effect we deliver over 1000 visual arts workshops per year working with over 200 people and run work schemes which help learning disabled people to work and volunteer in cultural and educational environments. We showcase the work of our artists locally, nationally and internationally. As well as providing for disabled adults Venture Arts also run a number of outreach workshops aimed at engaging children with disabilities.

18/06/2026

🌟 Meet Amber, Venture Arts' Public Engagement Assistant.

In this short film, Amber reflects on some of her proudest achievements and what she loves most about her role.

A huge part of Amber's work is making arts and culture more accessible. Working with artists, audiences and partners across Manchester, she's passionate about removing barriers and making sure arts and culture is available to everyone.

We're incredibly lucky to have Amber as part of the Venture Arts team. Whether she's championing accessibility or making crumpets for artists, she brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.

This Learning Disability Week, we're celebrating the people who help make our community such a vibrant and inspiring place to be 💚.

17/06/2026

📍 Venture Arts artists across Greater Manchester and beyond.

From Hulme to The Whitworth – and even over the Pennines to Sheffield DocFest – last weekend was a busy one for Venture Arts artists.

🌊 At The Whitworth, Sally Hirst led a sensory story inspired by 'Beneath The Great Wave' as part of Universally Manchester Festival (The University of Manchester) and the gallery's 2026 Community Day.

🌳 At Hulme Park, Michael Nash delivered a creative workshop exploring trees and the environment as part of Hulme Is Where The Art Is.

🎬 Meanwhile, Terry and Sebastian travelled to Sheffield DocFest as part of the Cultural Enrichment Programme, exploring new films, ideas and creative opportunities.

We're proud to see Venture Arts artists sharing their creativity, connecting with audiences and taking part in cultural events across the North.

▶️ Want to keep up with where Venture Arts artists are exhibiting, leading workshops and sharing their work?

Sign up to our newsletter 👉 https://mailchi.mp/venturearts/venture-arts-newsletter-signup

16/06/2026

🎨 NOW OPEN: We're delighted to see work by Venture Arts artists Emelia Hewitt, Barry Finan and Darren Gallagher included in Cover The Walls at Altogether Otherwise in Manchester's NOMA neighbourhood.

Bringing together artists and makers from across the city, the exhibition celebrates Manchester's vibrant creative community while making original artwork more accessible to collectors and audiences.

It's fantastic to see Emelia, Barry and Darren exhibiting alongside fellow Manchester artists in a showcase that encourages people to discover, enjoy and buy contemporary art.

Cover The Walls is open until 12 July, with all artworks available to purchase.

▶️ If you're in the city centre, why not pop in and discover some brilliant local artists.
More info here 👉 https://venturearts.org/events/cover-the-walls/

15/06/2026

▶️ Learning Disability Week 2026

At Venture Arts, learning disabled and neurodivergent artists help shape the organisation through our Adult Steering Group and Young People's Steering Group.

These groups meet regularly to share ideas, influence decisions and ensure artist voices are at the heart of everything we do - from studio life and accessibility to events and future plans.

To mark Learning Disability Week, we're sharing some of the words chosen by steering group members about what having a learning disability means to them.

From "confidence" and "a gift" to "never giving up" and "trying lots of different things", these reflections celebrate individuality, achievement and self-belief.

🙌 This is what artist-led practice looks like at Venture Arts 💚.

12/06/2026

🎨 Artist Focus: Rhea Holmes

This month we're celebrating the work of Venture Arts artist Rhea Holmes.

Rhea is a multidisciplinary artist working across drawing, embroidery and printmaking. Inspired by personal relationships and elements of pop culture, her work combines bold colour, repeated motifs and layered pattern, often returning to circles and rhythmic forms.

🖼️ Rhea's work Love Birds will be exhibited as part of the Manchester Open 2026 at HOME Mcr from 20 June.

💬 What do you enjoy about Venture Arts?
"Friends."

💬 Which three words would you use to describe Venture Arts?
"Friendship, staff and work-on-table."

💬 What are you doing at Venture Arts at the moment?
"Sewing."

🔗 See Rhea's work in the Manchester Open this summer 👉 https://venturearts.org/events/manchester-open/

09/06/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month from Venture Arts

This June, we're celebrating Pride Month and the creativity, diversity and individuality that make our community so special.

These images feature artwork by Venture Arts artists alongside a photograph from last year's Manchester Pride, where artists and staff came together to celebrate community, visibility and self-expression.

Happy Pride Month to all our LGBTQ+ artists, staff, volunteers, supporters and friends. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

08/06/2026

▶️ OPENING THIS WEEK: Three Venture Arts artists will be exhibiting work in Cover The Walls at Altogether Otherwise (part of the NOMA neighbourhood).

The exhibition brings together a range of local artists and makers, creating an accessible way for people to discover and buy affordable original artwork for their homes while supporting creative talent from across the city.

Featuring work by Emelia Hewitt, Barry Finan and Darren Gallagher, Cover The Walls is a fantastic opportunity to explore new artists, discover unique pieces and perhaps even find something special to take home.

📍 Manchester city centre
🎟️ FREE
🗓️ Until 12 July
🔗 👉 https://venturearts.org/events/cover-the-walls/

Pop by and support the artists 💚.

05/06/2026

⌛ ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY

🚀 VACANCY | Join us as Programme Producer: Creative Approaches to Work Programme and help deliver an exciting year-long project supporting neurodivergent young adults into employment.

You’ll plan and deliver a creative programme alongside neurodivergent creatives, young people, employers and partners - building confidence, removing barriers and opening up more inclusive pathways into work.

📍 Based in Hulme, Manchester (and partner venues)
⚡ 19 hours / 2.5 days per week
⚡ Salary £30,000 FTE
⚡ 1-year fixed-term role

Ready to make a difference through creativity, collaboration and inclusive practice?

👉 Apply by 10am Monday 15 June
👉 Interviews Tue 23 June (afternoon) & Wed 24 June
👉 For a full job pack and application form, head to: https://venturearts.org/vacancies/programme-producer/

Please share or tag someone who might be interested 💚

03/06/2026

🌟 VOLUNTEERS' WEEK: To celebrate Volunteers' Week, Venture Arts artists created this beautiful bunting filled with messages, drawings and words of thanks.

From helping in the studio and supporting events to welcoming visitors and championing our work, volunteers are a huge part of our community.

This week, we're celebrating the time, care and commitment they bring to Venture Arts.

A HUGE thank you for EVERYTHING you do 💚.

🔗 Want to know what volunteering at Venture Arts is really like? Read Sandy's blog 👉 https://venturearts.org/news/volunteers-week-inside-the-studio-with-sandy/

02/06/2026

🎨 Looking for original artwork with personality?

Following the success of our recent Full Studio Show, we've added a selection of affordable A3 prints by Venture Arts artists to our online shop. We're delighted that several have already found new homes this week.

From colourful abstract designs and photography to Manchester landmarks and pop-inspired prints, each artwork reflects the creativity, individuality and ambition at the heart of Venture Arts.

All prints are £35 and available online or from our Hulme studio.

🛍️ Browse the collection here 👉 https://venturearts.org/product-tag/a3-prints/

Address

43 Old Birley Street
Manchester
M155RF

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 6pm
Thursday	9:30am - 4pm
Friday	9:30am - 4pm
Saturday	9:30am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+441612321223

Website

http://www.venturearts.org/

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