Honouring Our Communities Art Trail

Black Creative Trailblazers at HOME

This Black History Month, Black Creative Trailblazers presents Honouring Our Communities, an art trail in the heart of Manchester city centre celebrating the people, places, stories and experiences that shape who we are. Our communities hold our histories, carry our traditions and create the spaces where we feel seen, supported and at home. They are built through family, friendships, culture and heritage, shared experiences and the everyday acts of care that connect us to one another.

Black Creative Trailblazers believe that creativity flourishes in community. Honouring Our Communities reflects this belief by shining a light on the people and places that have shaped our lives, identities and creative journeys. Through a collection of artworks by Black artists living and working across Greater Manchester, the trail invites audiences to see community through different perspectives. From deeply personal stories to works that explore what it means to belong, each artwork offers a window into the experiences that connect us. Taking art beyond the traditional gallery space, the trail brings these stories into venues across Manchester city centre, creating opportunities for people to encounter Black creativity as they move through the city. Together, the artworks celebrate the richness, resilience and diversity of our communities, while inviting us to pause and reflect on the people and places that have helped shape us. Honouring Our Communities is a celebration of where we come from, where we belong and the people who help us become who we are. Honouring Our Communities Art Trail is presented by Black Creative Trailblazers in partnership with HOME Arches, Bruntwood, The Lowry Hotel, Colony and Sister.

On display in the Arches Windows

At HOME Arches the three artists on show are C.Talah with 'It was never just me' (2026), Damaris Edey with 'Rooted in the hands of many' (2026) and Mux Imagery with 'AYOBAMI' (2025).

C. Talah (Courtney Hammond) is a Manchester-based artist whose work is inspired by identity, heritage and the people around her. Her Jamaican and British background often comes through in her work, alongside themes of family, memory and community. 'It was never just me' (2026) looks at the importance of the people who shape and support us throughout our lives, whether they are still with us or came before us. Her work reflects how we carry parts of our families, communities and history with us as we grow.

Damaris Edey is a self-taught visual artist born in Manchester, with Caribbean heritage. Her emotional portraits celebrate the divine, authentic beauty and vibrancy of Black women, while exploring the chaotic nature of life through expressive mixed media. Layers of texture create a tactile depth that reflects the complexity and unpredictability of life. ‘Rooted in the hands of many’ (2026) explores the invisible village that surrounds us, the people, lessons, faith, love and sacrifices that shape who we become. The hands represent guidance, protection, teaching and connection, while the words woven throughout honour the wisdom passed through family, community and generations.

Mux Imagery is the visual practice of photographer Abiola Badmus, focusing on identity, culture, and storytelling. His piece 'AYOBAMI' (2025) captures a quiet moment with a figure holding a bonsai tree against an open sky, symbolizing care and steady growth. The work reflects how no one grows alone. Just like the tree, our strength and identity are shaped, nurtured, and held up by the community around us

See the full art trail across Manchester

HOME Arches - 2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN

Colony King Street - 76 King St, Manchester M2 4NH

No 3 Circle Square - No3, Circle Square, 5 Hawkshaw Street, Manchester M1 7BL

Centurion House - 129 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WR

Manchester One - 53 Portland St, Manchester M1 3LD

Neo - Bruntwood SciTech - 9 Charlotte St, Manchester M1 4ET

Lowry Hotel - 50 Dearmans Pl, Salford M3 5LH