Co-collaborator of the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition, here’s a bit more about this Ancoats gem!

‘AWOL Studios located in the heart of Ancoats, is one of the largest creative studios in the North West. We’ve 4 floors of studios, brimming with creatives ranging from artists, fashion designers, tattooists, filmmakers, writers, jewellers, theatre performers, sculptors, photographers and many more!

Our home is Hope Mill, a beautiful grade II listed building built in 1824 as a cotton spinning and fustian weaving mill for Joseph Clarke & Sons. Over the next 177 years it has had many other guises, from engineering works to dog bed factory, gradually and gracefully falling into decline and disrepair until it was rescued by Hope Mill Partnership in 2001. With AWOL being the first business to lay down its artistic roots in Hope Mill in 2007 it has become one of the most important centres for the arts in Manchester, allowing for a natural regeneration of this important historic building and attracting a myriad of other creative businesses. The final piece of the jigsaw saw the mill’s old engine room refurbished and transformed to provide a fitting setting for Hope Mill Theatre and The Engine Room Café & Bar.’

The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 deadline approaches! To Enter, head here ~ Deadline 10.03.24

Ayrton ‘SAM’ Mendes won Highly Commended at our 2023 AWOL Studios X Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition.

Ayrton Mendes, also known as SAM, is a Portuguese artist based in Manchester. He ‘intricately explores the intersections of race, sexuality and gender. His practice weaves a unique perspective, rooted in personal experiences and a profound interest in African and urban cultures. Embracing diverse media, from video to sculpture, SAM employs an interdisciplinary approach, using unconventional materials to express his vision’ Aesthetica magazine.

Mendes kindly answered a few questions about his experience with our Open Call exhibition and gave advice for potential entrants. Check out his answers below:

1 . What is the importance of events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition?

Participating in events like the Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call can be vital for artists seeking to advance their careers and gain recognition. While these exhibitions offer opportunities for artists to showcase their work and potentially receive awards, their primary significance often lies in the networking opportunities they provide. 

Building connections with other artists and industry professionals can lead to collaborations, future exhibitions, and career advancement. 

I remember that participating last year on Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call and winning the highly commended prize, as a postgraduate, the importance of these events to facilitate professional growth and exposure within the art community is undeniable.

2 . What inspired you to enter our Open Call in particular?

I was inspired to enter Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call by the encouragement I received from my university teachers/tutors that motivated me to take the leap and submit my work. Their belief in my artistic abilities gave me the confidence to participate, and I am grateful for their guidance throughout the process.2

Additionally, the opportunity to showcase my work in a reputable space as AWOL Studios was incredibly enticing.

3 . Do you have any advice to artists on entering an Open Call?

My advice is to approach Open calls like Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios with confidence, preparation, and a willingness to engage with the artistic community. By overcoming any fears and seizing opportunities to share your work, you not only further your own artistic journey but also contribute to the rich tapestry of Contemporary Art.

The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 is live! For more info and entry, head here ~ Deadline 10.03.24

Check out more of SAM’s work here

Co-collaborater, neighbour and gallery venue for our Comme Ca Art x AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition, here’s a bit more about the awesome Comme Ca Art.

Established in 1994, Comme Ca Art pioneered the creation of alternative exhibition venues throughout Manchester City Centre, offering up and coming artists the opportunity to showcase their works to a wide and varied audience.

In autumn 2015 CCA opened the doors to the brand new CCA GALLERY at Hope Mill in Ancoats, Manchester. As well as working on an enviable Exhibition Programme, including the Comme Ca Art X AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition, the gallery is used for Meet the Artist Brunches, Pre-Preview Viewings and Artists in Residence. 

“The Comme Ca Art X AWOL Studios Open Call Exhibition is one of the highlights of my year. It’s always exciting to see which artists the Judges have selected and even more exciting to curate the exhibition at the Comme Ca Art Gallery. It’s a great opportunity for artists to meet other artists, for art lovers to find a new piece for their collection and for an artist to win the cash prize and Cass Art voucher. We can’t wait to see this year’s selected artists.” Gallery director Claire Turner

⭐️Head to the Comme Ca Art website for more info about their amazing work HERE

⭐️The AWOL Studios x Comme Ca Art Open Call Exhibition 2024 is live! For more info and entry, head here ~ Deadline 10.03.24