City Walk: Rhythms of Labour, Leisure, and Lost Histories

Discover Manchester’s rich layers of architectural and cultural heritage on a walking tour led by architect Rajan Rane. Travel through time as you explore the city’s evolution from an industrial powerhouse to a hub of creative urban renewal, with stops across the Northern Quarter, Deansgate-Castlefield, and Piccadilly Gardens.

Rajan Rane, winner of our open call to curate a city walk in conjunction with our current exhibition, 'Steph Huang: There is nothing old under the sun', guides you on a journey that echoes Steph Huang’s approach of drifting through cities to trace histories and transformations. Experience Manchester as a living canvas, shaped by its rhythms of labour, leisure, and legacy that continue to define its evolving identity.

This guided walk, which includes a short break and starts at esea contemporary, is available on two dates:

• Saturday, 16 November 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
• Saturday, 23 November 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

The event is free, but registration is required. Please arrive 10 minutes before the walk begins.

Images courtesy of Rajan Rane.

About Rajan Rane

Rajan is an Indian architect currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Architectural Design in Manchester. He is driven by a commitment to explore, learn, and create with both precision and passion. His architectural journey reflects a meticulous eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity that reaches beyond design, embracing culture, heritage, and the intricate stories embedded in urban landscapes. With a background in both architecture and the arts, he believes that meaningful design transcends functionality, evolving into authentic and visionary storytelling. This guiding principle shapes his practice, where he combines technical skill with artistic sensitivity, valuing depth and contextual richness in every project.

Rajan finds profound inspiration in Manchester’s architectural landscape, from its historic industrial structures to its innovative modern developments. The city’s blend of heritage and contemporary design aligns with his vision of architecture as a bridge between tradition and innovation, reinforcing his commitment to creating spaces that are contextually resonant and meaningful. Inspired by the intersections of art, architecture, and exploration, he is dedicated to designing spaces that resonate both aesthetically and emotionally. Balancing respect for tradition with a passion for innovation, he aims to build a practice that is intellectually enriching and impactful.

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About esea contemporary

esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.

esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.

esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.

Learn more at: www.eseacontemporary.org

Photo by Joe Smith.

Host or Publisher esea contemporary