This Easter sees the Whitworth’s partnership with Afrocats develop even further as they venture into the great outdoors together. They are creating a giant art studio in our park, for families to come along and get creative in the outdoors.
Afrocats x Wild Whitworth has been inspired by the Althea McNish exhibition currently on display inside the gallery, families are invited to create their own nature-inspired designs using natural materials outside.
Althea McNish was the first Caribbean designer to achieve international recognition and one of the most influential and innovative textile designers in the UK. Her designs feature natural imagery drawn from the abundance of tropical flora and fauna from her native Trinidad and a ‘tropicalised’ interpretation of the British landscape achieved through energy and visual complexity.
Afrocats x Wild Whitworth activities are suitable for babies to teens. They will have different areas with open-ended messy play for the little ones and more guided learning about mixing and making natural paints for the big ones. Using mud, berries, leaves, and other foraged ingredients, families will make their own natural paints, dyes, and paintbrushes and create their own masterpieces.
It may be cold and it might get messy so its recommended you wear wellies, layers, and rain gear or bring a change of clothes with you. The gallery has wellies and raincoats of many sizes from toddlers to teens, and a few adults too, so if you don’t have the gear don’t worry you can borrow some of theirs.
If you can’t make these dates then don’t worry there’s still plenty to do.
• Pick up a FREE Welly Walk booklet and pencil at the Parkside Entrance. These booklets will help you explore Whitworth Park, the art, and nature.
• Grab a Bag of Creativity from the shop and get creative with Althea McNish-inspired creative activities.
• Or you can head to the School of Creativity on the Mezzanine floor where there are pencils and paper available to doodle, draw or design and you can also play on the specially designed Whitworth Minecraft machines.
More about Afrocats
Afrocats is an award-winning charity that supports those facing social exclusion in Greater Manchester. Together as an Afrocats x Whitworth partnership, they aim to bring quality cultural opportunities to families from all backgrounds and create a place of sanctuary.
