Z-Arts

My partner and I went to see ‘Resistance’ at Zion, an audio-​visual installation about the Nazi persecution of the disabled. The ‘gallery’ space was perfectly suited for the piece and although we didn’t have time to explore the building afterwards, it seems like a lovely place. The staff on the front desk were extremely welcoming and helpful, including offering us advice about where to do during our stay in Manchester and supplying relevant addresses! The Centre is really obviously about offering a wide variety of the arts to families and young people as well as ‘culture vultures’; there was some kind of children’s class going on in another room while we were there. It’s definitely worth checking out their website to see what’s going on it’s vibrant and ever-​changing! Well worth a look.

On a rainy Sunday evening in Manchester, I hopped along to Zion to support one of my besties at a film fest she’s in charge of. This centre immediately feels warm, welcoming and very Mancunian. Situated not too far out of town in Hulme, a mere ten minute walk from my boyfriend’s gaff meant we were cosy and caffeinated a good while before our scheduled film started. Great coffee by the way! Also, their bar was stocked with some alcoholic goodies too if that takes your fancy.
There’s such a variety of stuff going on here, and you’d never expect it to be situated where it is. It’s definitely a place to take in some culture, practise some drama, see an independent film or even just chill out and have a nice drink. It lives and breathes creativity, and it’s the perfect spot to take up a new hobby or enjoy some quality entertainment. The staff are brilliantly friendly too.

ZION IS A DOUBLE BUILDING, HOUSING ARTS, CRAFTS DANCE AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS FOR KIDS AND YOUNG PEOPLE. It is also a community mental health centre which does absolutely amazing work in the community free of charge. There are a number of self help groups for issues such as depression and anxiety, counselling service, arts therapy, light box therapy, womens groups, mood food café serving whole foods at ridiculously low prices and all the above services are free.
It is well worth a look if you have a mental health issue and need to meet like minded people or get some much needed support. It is also a fantastic place to meet people generally in the community groups if you are new to manni.
To access the mental health services you must live in neighbouring areas hulme and moss side i think (but check first), but anyone can access the community groups.
A great contribution to manchesters inner city community.

The area of Hulme has always been met with ambivalence, comparable to a Moss side until recent regeneration. The Zion Arts Centre is one of the examples of something to praise Hulme for.
A creative space for young people, the arts centre holds a variety of workshops, from street dance, drama, even go Caribbean. Inspiration and new forms of creativity are encouraged, basically community spirit and everyone getting involved is what Zion is about.
I went here when my friend and his bboy crew, that’s breakdancing lingo, hired a space to practice. Just ring up in the morning and you can get a decent space to strut your stuff, or in this case spin on your heads etc.
Zion is relaunching a Youth Forum hoping to influence what happens at Zion. Join and make a creative contribution to the arts today.

Hulme has always had a raw deal. Once a dumping ground for slum dwellers, the dreaded Bull Ring which I recall all too well never gave these creative people a chance to demonstrate their unquestionable talent. Following property investment and expansion Hulme now not only looks better but is a more humane environment for any individual to exist in. However, the most important addition to Hulme in my eyes is The Zion Arts Centre. I can actually become quite emotional writing about this place because within its walls, creativity is developed and young minds are inspired.
This is a multi– art form venue which allows Arts Council funded residencies the opportunity to hold classes in disciplines such as street dance, drama, comedy and Caribbean dance. Community legends like Crystallize and Visceral educate 11 – 19 year olds on all factors of the music business and workshops are run which motivate our youngsters. Gospel choirs grace the hallowed halls of The Zion with their heavenly voices and comedy nights and exhibitions are held here– entry fees for such events here are minimal.
The Zion Arts Centre is developed by the community for the community and should be supported by us all.

If you haven’t been to Zion Arts Centre before you are really, really missing out. Slap bang in the middle of Hulme, Zion stands like a beacon in an area which has a speckled past and is steeped in history and cultural unrest. Zion Arts stands for all of the best things about the area and breathes life into an area which can sometimes feel stifled.
The Zion Arts Centre works as a performance venue, art gallery, music centre, café, rehearsal space and community development centre. There are rolling tours of plays, artists and bands as well as resident artists and practitioners. Zion offer a range of workshops and courses as well as one of events and parties. Their spaces are available to hire for private functions at great rates and the staff are really accommodating of your needs.
An exceptional community-​based arts venue, Zion Arts Centre is well worth a visit if you have never been.