MIF21: I Love You Too at Central Library at Manchester Central Library

Kemang Wa Lehulere collaborates with 11 Manchester writers and over 100 residents of the city to create a surprising collection of love letters – a new book for Central Library.

South African artist Kemang Wa Lehulere spent MIF19 in residence in Manchester’s network of libraries – and two years on, we’re now presenting I Love You Too, a multifaceted artwork inspired by the time he spent in the city.

At the start of 2021, Wa Lehulere invited more than 100 people from across Manchester to share with us their love stories: to people, to places, even to possessions. Through a series of online and in-person meetings, a group of 11 Manchester writers put their words on to the page. The result is I Love You Too, a powerful and personal book of love letters rooted in our city – and the first in an international series.

The book will be published at MIF21 (details to be announced) and will become a permanent part of Manchester Libraries’ collection. And together with the publication, the Central Library Reading Room will be hosting an exhibition of Wa Lehulere’s new sculpture, created especially for the space.

Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival in partnership with Library Live and Creative Spaces, Manchester Libraries’ cultural programmes, and supported by Arts Council England and National Lottery funding.