Afrocats x Wild Whitworth

Join us this Easter holidays as Afrocats and the Whitworth go wild!

Each session is free and operates on a flexible drop-in basis so that you can join in the fun at any time.

Easter activities

Available on the following dates:
Tuesday 4 April, 12-3pm
Wednesday 5 April, 12-3pm
Thursday 6 April, 12-3pm

Sessions are FREE and drop-in, no need to book, just come along.

This Easter sees our partnership with Afrocats develop even further as we venture into the great outdoors together. Our Art Garden and Park will be transformed into a giant outdoor art studio, 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. We 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 we recommend you wear wellies, layers, and rain gear or bring a change of clothes with you. We have 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 ours.

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 our Parkside Entrance. These booklets will help you explore the park, the art, and nature.

• Grab a Bag of Creativity from our shop and get creative with Althea McNish-inspired creative activities.

• Or you can head to our 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 our specially designed Whitworth Minecraft machines.

• After the session why not explore our exhibitions and collections, visit the Whitworth shop at the gallery entrance, or grab a bite to eat in the café? 

• Don’t forget you can always visit the play area outside in Whitworth Park!

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, we aim to bring quality cultural opportunities to families from all backgrounds and create a place of sanctuary.

Thanks to the Manchester City Council Youth and Play fund for making these activities possible.