The Thursday Takeover events are essentially a group art exhibition with some spice. What we mean by group exhibition is a group of artists exhibiting within the event. Due to the scale of the Thursday Takeovers, it doesn't suit a solo exhibition. We've exhibited group shows from already founded collectives, university classes and public open calls.
With an art exhibition at its core, we've seen our takeover event runners add performance art, workshops, interactive pieces, market stalls, theatre, film premiers and much more to their events. Please don't feel the pressure to add things to your exhibition but note we have the space and resources to do so. We can no longer host music events within the Thursday Takeovers.
The Workshop Wednesdays are a new addition to the programme. Their purpose is to give creatives a large, flexible venue to host just a more intimate workshop in. These do not include exhibitions.
The Thursday Takeover events are similar to one of our signature Friday West Events. The heart of the event is an art exhibition but have in the past included elements such as workshops, performance art, theatre, interactive art and market stalls etc. They're a lot bigger scale.
Something we've not really done before. We've hosting plenty of sex-positive, kink, goth and fantasy events. We are still very open to these themes but they need a unique idea behind them. We want this to be something you're passionate and knowledgeable about.
Yes. We do not charge you a hire fee to submit or host a Thursday Takeover. We do not charge a commision fee if you sell any products through us either. The overall ticket money will be split three ways between yourself, West and the venue. We all cover our own costs and split the total ticket money three ways outright. This money comes through within a week after the event. The aim is that the event doesn't cost you anything and you walk away with money made.
West offer their skills, materials, equipment, time and knowledge. You will be tutored by our Director Lucy Indelicate and learn how to organise, promote and run an art event. You will receive a 20+ page PDF on this too. You will learn how to curate and install from our Head Tech Tom Kinloch and the rest of the install team. West provide all their installation, sound, video, decor, tools etc. The West team will help install your event, run it, do the ticket desk, invigilate and pack down. While we want you to learn, we also want you to have the time and energy to enjoy your event. Alongside this your event will be promoted across the West and Antwerp Mansion social media and blog.
We have 3 dates available for a thursday Takeover for 2024:
We have everything you'll need for an exhibition alongside extra equipment like a projector, sound equipment, new and old TV's, tables, ladders, tool box, drill, chairs, decor etc. More information will be passed onto you through a informative PDF and an in person meeting.
The tickets will be priced from £6-£10 minimum plus fees. We are open to discuss this if you feel your event requires a higher ticket fee.
We will always have approx 10 free tables available but now offer a more sturdy plastic table for a fee of £10 each that we hire externally. We have approx 50 chairs too.
Your event will run 18:00-23:00. We can open earlier if needed but we cannot open later than 23:00.
You have the full run of the two floors of the Mansion. This does not include the basements.
No. We've ran over 15 Thursday Takeovers since January 2022 with some groups being students hosting their first event and some artists well into their career.
Antwerp Mansion is not an accessible venue. A full accessibility report is available via our website/ link tree.
We have a private car park on the Mansions grounds for yourself/your team to use for free. Event attendees will need to find parking elsewhere. Most of the streets in Rusholme have free parking but as of 2023 some streets require a parking pass so bare that in mind. More information on parking is available in our accessibility report of Antwerp Mansion.
You can contact us through the contact form on our website or by emailing westartcollective@outlook.com
Please email your images/ videos to us at westartcollective@outlook.com. Don't worry if you're unsure if your images/ videos have attached. Any applications we receive without photos, we will contact you and ask for them. These have the possibility to be used in our promotion of the event too.
Once you have submitted your application you will hear back from us - regardless of whether or not your application was successful.