esea contemporary
Website:
https://www.eseacontemporary.org/
Twitter:
https://x.com/eseacontemp
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eseacontemporary/
Blog:
Email:
hello@eseacontemporary.org
Where do they work?:
Ancoats and Beswick, Greater Manchester
Telephone:
01618327271
Address:
13 Thomas Street
Manchester
M4 1EU
Registered charity number:
518992
Company number:
2137427
Other registration number:
Description:
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 – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – 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.
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 – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – 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.
Services delivered:
Services are available:
Face to face
Services are delivered on:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Monday opening time:
Tuesday opening time:
10am - 5pm
Wednesday opening time:
10am - 5pm
Thursday opening time:
10am - 5pm
Friday opening time:
10am - 5pm
Languages available:
Special activities running over winter:
Winter services are available:
Office space/venues/rooms available for hire / rent:
esea contemporary is located in the vibrant Northern Quarter of Manchester's city centre, offering RIBA award-winning spaces that are well-equipped and fully accessible to accommodate various functions and events.
Our building is fully accessible, and our flexible space can be adapted to suit your needs. We are equipped with high-speed wifi, video conferencing and AV facilities. Our in-house technician will be on hand to provide support from planning to delivery.
All income generated by the hire of our spaces directly supports our artistic programme and community engagement activity.
If you wish to make a booking or an enquiry regarding the availability of our spaces, please email hire@eseacontemporary.org with your requirements, or call 0161 832 7271 to find out more.
Our building is fully accessible, and our flexible space can be adapted to suit your needs. We are equipped with high-speed wifi, video conferencing and AV facilities. Our in-house technician will be on hand to provide support from planning to delivery.
All income generated by the hire of our spaces directly supports our artistic programme and community engagement activity.
If you wish to make a booking or an enquiry regarding the availability of our spaces, please email hire@eseacontemporary.org with your requirements, or call 0161 832 7271 to find out more.
Cash donations:
Your generous support helps us continue our mission. Here’s how your contribution can make an impact:
£10 – Help us deliver age-friendly arts workshops, including free admission for participants.
£25 – Fund a paid internship for an emerging curator from an underrepresented background.
£50 – Contribute to the growth of our ResearchLab, home to a unique Archives and Library dedicated to contemporary Asian art in the UK.
£75 – Support the next generation of ESEA artists in developing community-focused arts initiatives.
£10 – Help us deliver age-friendly arts workshops, including free admission for participants.
£25 – Fund a paid internship for an emerging curator from an underrepresented background.
£50 – Contribute to the growth of our ResearchLab, home to a unique Archives and Library dedicated to contemporary Asian art in the UK.
£75 – Support the next generation of ESEA artists in developing community-focused arts initiatives.
Non-cash donations:
We warmly welcome non-cash donations to support our community programming. Donations of craft and art materials—such as paper, paints, brushes, fabric, and other creative supplies—will directly benefit our age-friendly arts workshops by providing participants with high-quality materials to express themselves in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
We also welcome in-kind contributions that could support our wider initiatives, including equipment, books relevant to contemporary Asian art for our ResearchLab, or professional services that align with our mission. All non-cash donations play a vital role in helping us expand access to the arts across generations and communities.
To arrange a non-cash donation, please contact us at hello@eseacontemporary.org, and we’ll be happy to discuss current needs and how your contribution can make a meaningful impact.
We also welcome in-kind contributions that could support our wider initiatives, including equipment, books relevant to contemporary Asian art for our ResearchLab, or professional services that align with our mission. All non-cash donations play a vital role in helping us expand access to the arts across generations and communities.
To arrange a non-cash donation, please contact us at hello@eseacontemporary.org, and we’ll be happy to discuss current needs and how your contribution can make a meaningful impact.