Fascinating multimedia exhibition celebrates the diverse voices of the city

Following Hamilton: The Story of Tonight, where guests could get a glimpse into the world-famous production, Kimpton Clocktower has now revealed a top collection of Mancunian art celebrating stories from the city. It’s called Tales of Manchester 2.0.

Tales of Manchester 2.0

The exhibition showcases six spoken word pieces by poets from Manchester. The poets featured are Griot Gabriel (as seen at Glastonbury 2023), Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet and Sarah Attwell.

With all written and painted work created specifically for the exhibition, the installation is very much in line with Kimpton Clocktower’s values and mission to promote and support Mancunian talent.

“We’re extremely excited to be exhibiting this unique installation curated by Emma Evans,” said Kimpton Clocktower hotel manager Kelly Andreasson.

“We love nurturing and spotlighting local talent, as well as putting the focus on different art forms. Tales of Manchester 2.0 has been a long time coming and we can’t wait for our guests and visitors to Refuge to finally see it.”

Emma Evans

The exhibition features a wonderful collection of art from Emma Evans that pairs spoken word pieces. With over 20 years of residence in Manchester after moving to study here from Leeds, Emma considers herself a proud Mancunian:

“I fell in love with the city and its spirit. The way creatives come together in Manchester is pretty unique and I love working with different artists – visual and spoken word creatives.

“Manchester has changed a lot since we did the first Tales of especially Lisa O’Hare and The Thirsty Poet who were part of the first exhibition back in 2022.”

Ilaria Passeri

Ilaria Passeri is a storyteller for both adults and children. She is the co-host of much loved and respected spoken word night Verbose and runs another event in the Northern Quarter named Just Stories.

She works with the Lowry, Z-Arts, Trafford Libraries and North Manchester Libraries and is currently working on a family-friendly show at the Bolton Octagon.

Lisa O’Hare

Like Ilaria, Lisa is a co-host of Manchester spoken word night Verbose.

Her work has been featured on the BBC, both regionally and nationally, and her spoken word show Do You Remember the First Rhyme was nominated for several awards, and also was part of Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, Camden & Morecambe Fringe Festivals.

Find out more about her work by clicking here.

Griot Gabriel

Griot Gabriel is a hip-hop-influenced poet, founder and host of The Poetry Place and full-time youth worker in Manchester. He describes himself as ‘Underdog, Under Armour, Under God’. His poetry explores race, resistance, personal identity, and relevant social issues.

Griot has been commissioned to write and perform with Chanel, Warner Bros, Manchester United, Manchester International Festival. He performed at Glastonbury 23 and at the opening book launch of Jason Reynolds.

The Thirsty Poet (Matt Concannon)

Salford-born Matt has created a growing reputation for his powerful stories of growth, gritty lived in experience and speaking from the heart. He mixes politics with the seemingly everyday, with a style that is truly his own.

Amplifying unheard voices, Matt has worked with Tiny Rebel Brewing, Salford City FC and Adidas, to name but a few.

Alongside the spoken word world, Matt’s acting has taken him all over the UK including, Patriots by Peter Morgan, writer of The Crown, Coronation Street, and The Lazarus Project. He he has just wrapped on a feature film starring Tamsin Greig and Rupert Everett.

He is currently performing in Richard, My Richard by Philippa Gregory at Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Mark Jackson (Keith’s Brother)

Ten years ago, Keith’s Brother started writing stories. He hasn’t stopped since.

His often surreal work broaches many subjects and has been featured on BBC Radio Manchester. In 2023 he worked with John McClure at the Reverend and the Makers album launch. Mark is a regular part of Glasgow’s Thi Wurd Live Event and has performed twice at Liverpool’s famous Violette Societa. His two pod-plays were released by Mancmade Productions in 2021, and his five-track EP (The Swimmer) was released in 2022.

Check that out by clicking here and see more of his work here.

Sarah Attwell

Sarah Attwell is an actor, writer and mother of two boys. She has been ‘poeting’ for quite a while too.

A regular on the spoken word scene, she has appeared across the city guesting for many and being commissioned for specific works. Known for her colourful characters and ability to create many voices, her work is rare in that it moves into performance easily characters come alive and we slip into a wondrous world within seconds of her stage presence.

Tales of Manchester 2.0 is a free-to-view exhibition on the walls at The Refuge, Oxford Street, until the end of May 2024.