Afrocats takeover at the Whitworth

The Whitworth have partnered up with Afrocats to take over the gallery during February half-term and the Easter Holidays to open the spaces and activities to new families in the city.

Afrocats is a female-led charity that works closely with communities and people that access their projects to create inspiring experiences and opportunities. Together, they address and dismantle inequality by identifying and breaking down barriers. Their vision is to create a robust and more inclusive social environment for vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees.

The Whitworth wanted to make free family activities more accessible to people who may not have experienced them before or even knew about them, especially for the asylum-seekers and refugees in our city.

Afrocats are a perfect organisation to partner up with as they have already built up the relationships with families through their own activities. Over 90% of the families visiting the Whitworth in February were first time visitors to the gallery.

Participants came from Afrocats networks from the Britannia hotel, a Longsight women’s group and their members. They recommended their friends independently, through Rainbowhaven, Manchester City of Sanctuary, and Women Asylum Seekers Together.

The feedback from the sessions has been very positive:

“Lots of lovely resources and lovely volunteers. The kids engaged in the creativity”

“The craft was beautiful, it was extra special because it was based on culture”.

The Whitworth joined forces with volunteers who were buddied up together as Whitworth and Afrocats Volunteers to assist with the welcome, running the workshops and looking after the families.

During the Easter holidays Afrocats will be back at the gallery for more arts, crafts, dancing and singing.

Join Afrocats as they take over the Whitworth with cultural and creative movement activities and arts & crafts workshops for children, young people and families.

  • On Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14April; 12pm – 3pm. Free, drop-in sessions.
  • Find out more