What is Partisan?
We provide a space for independent, DIY, cultural and political activities in Manchester.
We set ourselves up in response to feelings of exhaustion and disconnection felt in the context of austerity. Partisan is a collective resource which aims to bring groups together in Manchester by providing free/affordable venue space for those who need it. We work with grassroots groups, other nonprofits, community groups, charities and youth work organisations.
We have worked hard with a wonderful architect to develop the plans neccessary to make the building fully accessible to all those who wish to use it. We are now launching a large-scale fundraising campaign to raise the funds necessary to make the structural changes needed in order for our space to be truly accessible.
We want the space to be accessible to everyone, child friendly and to be a space to socialize and build connections in without the pressure to consume or purchase food or drink.
The space complements existing alternative spaces and social centres creating a network of alternative spaces in the city.
Why is this important for Manchester?
Local community groups and campaigners (including us) know that there are few suitable places to meet in Manchester and hardly any for free. At Partisan, revenue generated by art and music events as well as the café-bar will subsidise the free use of the space.
- We want to provide space for free, so that people can channel their energies into social action and organising
- We want to provide well-paid, sustainable work for people in the context of declining wages and low pay; the café-bar will (eventually) provide high quality work, as will the youth work and group-specific projects that we are currently setting up
- We want to build on our DIY ethos, encouraging peer-to-peer training and workshop facilitating so that skills and knowledge are shared and everyone has an opportunity to learn something new
- We want to continue to work with vulnerable and marginalised groups, running different innovative community projects
- We want to provide an accessible, flexible space to community artists as well as an exhibition space
