Making an Artwork for Harpurhey Ponds

As part of SICK!'s Beyond Survival: International Time Travel Project, artist Niki Colclough is inviting people local to Harpurhey to take part in a series of creative workshops to shape a new artwork for Harpurhey Ponds.

The workshops will take place on a Thursday evening, 6pm - 7.30pm on 21st May, 28th May, 4th June and 11th June. You are welcome to join all, or one of the workshops.

So, if you want to shape the future of your area, meet new people and have some fun, this is for you!

During the first workshop on Thursday 21st May, we will explore the past of Harpurhey Ponds and learn to make a bio-ink with Oak Galls found at the site. The workshop is free and all materials will be provided.

We will meet at the entrance to Harpurhey Ponds on Factory Lane.

ACCESS:

What can you expect of our workshops? A welcoming space. You do not need to bring anything with you, just yourself as you are. You can get involved in the workshop in whatever way feels right for you. The sessions will include, walking, conversations and art making and nature activities.

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These workshops are part of SICK!’s Beyond Survival: International Time Travel project, supported by the Finnish Institute UK and Ireland and Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture. Niki is inviting us to think with rivers, connecting Manchester and Oulu through the emotional and ecological histories of water and industry.. The work will be presented in both Oulu and Manchester in summer 2026. Find out more about the project

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Info: Exploring the past of the River Irk and Harpurhey Ponds.
Making oak gall ink and experimental mark making.

Info: Considering the present of Harpurhey Ponds.
We will do some pond dipping, or
we will enjoy some relaxing listening exercises and do some field recording with specialist microphones.

Info: Imagining what a healing space would look like.
Forest bathing activities and / or pond dipping.

Info: Developing ideas to feed into the artwork.
3d scanning workshop.

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