Asia Triennial Manchester 11

Enkhbold Togmidshiirev Destination, 2011, Undur-Ulaan mountain, Erdene sum, Centre province. Credit: Photo by Bayarmagnai

Eight weeks, 17 venues, 13 countries, 40 artists and 25 new commissions: art, film and events across the city

The UK's only Asian art triennial runs from 1 October to 27 November 2011 in Manchester, with a vibrant and exciting showcase of current contemporary visual art from Asia. 

Asia Triennial Manchester 11 (ATM11), initiated and led by Shisha, is a festival of visual culture that features a series of exhibitions, commissions and interventions by 40 international and UK artists exploring the theme of Time and Generation, presenting new site-specific work alongside work not seen before in the UK, and challenging stereotypical viewpoints of contemporary Asian artistic practice.

The artistic vision for ATM11 looks at one of the most important stories of our time: the migration of peoples from one place to other parts of the world. This continuous movement of people has radically changed our demographics, giving rise to new politics of identity focused on place, territory, belonging, global economic changes and community.

Here are just a few examples of the plethora of work constituting this internationally-important and unique triennial festival:

• acclaimed multiple media artist Rashid Rana uses photography, sculpture and video installation in his exhibition at Cornerhouse, Rana's first major public solo show in the UK
• Cornerhouse is also curating the Asia Triennial Film Programme including six UK premieres with a focus on Philippine director Brillante Mendoza, recently named best director at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival
• Adeela Suleman has created a sculpture in Manchester Cathedral using appropriated household items to create a circular maze at once reminiscent of water spinning down a drain and of floor patterns in Christian churches, inviting the congregation to slowly follow their patterns to the centre whilst meditating along the way
• in a Shisha commission, artists Tasawar Bashir and Brian Duffy present Silsila, a Sufi-inspired cosmic journey in sound in the new £3 million Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank. Data from stellar events and light from galaxy clusters are combined by musical algorithm with the voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the greatest qawwali singer of the modern era
• The International 3 is working with performance artist Enkhbold Togmidshiirev, whose structure replicating a traditional Mongolian 'ger' hut will be hosted by Manchester Museum and then by Islington Mill, using performance to reveal and reflect on his heritage and culture
• Indian artist N S Harsha has produced Thought Mala or 'spiritual garlands' to be worn by visitors in the Victorian Gothic splendour of The John Rylands Library
• Artists collective PiST transform Castlefield Gallery into an alternative VISA application and training centre, replacing the obligatory language and cultural exams for emigration to the UK

There are many other events, performances and installations too numerous to detail but all featuring leading practitioners in their respective fields from across the Asian world. Venues are as diverse as Bury Art Gallery, the Chinese Arts Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, People's History Museum, Whitworth Art Gallery, Piccadilly rail station, and the Egg Space at Media City.

Visit Asia Triennial's website for updates and events information.

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