Little Manchester Open: Dream Worlds
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Sat 20 Jun-Sun 6 SepFrom 10:00Inspire Gallery
About the Exhibition
Step into our solar system, where children’s imagination is a serious tool for innovation and play is both method and critical thinking.
Dream Worlds was created by children and young carers from Varna Community Primary School in Openshaw, Rushbrook Primary Academy in Gorton, and Co-op Academy Broadhurst in Moston. The works were inspired by Planet Donuts, a ceramic piece by Alanah, a 10-year-old artist in Manchester Open 2024. Alanah’s artwork imagined their ideal dream world:
"Donuts, of course!"
Explore the Dream Worlds
Join us on an intergalactic journey, from Planet Paper, where you can fly on a paper plane, to Dreamy K Pop World, where you can sing freely without judgement.
Then visit Majestic Trampoline Land, where you can bounce wherever you need to go without causing pollution, before stopping at Heavenly Wish Candy World, where everyone speaks with kind words (and there are sweets, too).
Explore these clay models of imagined worlds. See them as creative possibilities, blueprints, and instructions from the children of Greater Manchester.
Throughout spring, the children and young carers from three primary schools worked with HOME’s Creative Engagement Practitioners to explore the Manchester Open Exhibition, share their views on artworks, simulate a selection panel, and create their own dream worlds in clay.
Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out every child and young person’s right to Leisure, Play and Culture, stating:
"Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities."
Manchester has been recognised as a UNICEF Child Friendly City, reflecting its ongoing commitment to making the city a place where all children and young people can thrive. As an ambassador, HOME is proud to have played a part in this journey.
One child from Varna Community Primary School in Openshaw said:
“I used my imagination differently than any other days. I enjoyed using the clay, it was difficult, but I kept trying and it was cool and fun when it worked how I wanted.”
Little Manchester Open is part of HOME’s creative programme for schools and was delivered by HOME’s Creative Engagement Team.
To learn more about HOME’s creative work with children and young people in Greater Manchester schools, please visit HOME Schools & Creative Careers .
Credits
Thank you to our generous project supporters The Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Granada Foundation and Brian Mercer Trust.