Übermorgen in Manchester: Exploring New Models for Cultural Institutions
I recently photographed a visit to Manchester by participants in Übermorgen – New Models for Cultural Institutions, a programme supported by the German Federal Cultural Foundation. The initiative brings together leaders from museums, galleries, theatres and cultural organisations across Germany to explore new approaches to public engagement, participation and institutional development.
Manchester was selected as one of the programme's destinations because of its reputation for cultural innovation and the ways in which the city has transformed its cultural infrastructure over the past two decades. Through visits, discussions and site-specific case studies, participants examined how cultural institutions can operate as active civic spaces while remaining connected to the communities they serve.
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum: Documentary Event Photography by David Oates
EarthSonic Live at Manchester Museum was a full-day and evening programme of talks, workshops, performances and installations exploring the relationship between music, nature and climate. The event brought together artists, scientists, activists and audiences in a shared space, combining cultural programming with environmental themes.
The event was part of the wider EarthSonic project, which focuses on using sound and music as a way to engage people with biodiversity and climate issues.
Photographing Manchester Museum for Art Fund
The newly remodelled Manchester Museum has officially opened its doors, and as a professional photographer, I had the pleasure of capturing the energy, excitement, and intricate details of this incredible space. Commissioned by Art Fund, I spent several hours documenting the museum’s refreshed galleries and exhibits, and I left inspired by both the design and the crowds.
Mark Radcliffe for Art Fund
I was very pleased to be asked to contribute stills for a forthcoming episode of Art Fund’s Meet Me at the Museum podcast, in which radio presenter Mark Radcliffe and his bandmate Paul Langley tour Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry.