Leading contemporary art in Manchester

The Manchester Contemporary is a key art fair dedicated to showcasing critically engaged contemporary artists. The fair presents a carefully curated selection of independent galleries and artist-led spaces from across the UK and internationally. Its vision is to become an international focal point for discovering emerging contemporary art, offering collectors, curators and the art-buying public a definitive destination to uncover new talent.

The Manchester Contemporary is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

50 Talks & Workshops 

223 Artists

35 Exhibitors

10,368 Visitors

Exhibitor List 2026

The Manchester Contemporary 2026 exhibitor list celebrated a dynamic mix of returning pioneers and first-time participants shaping the future of contemporary art in the UK.

Art Talks

The fair invites leading artists and art experts to share their knowledge and experiences with visitor q&as and panel discussions

TMC Art Fund
Since its launch in 2017, The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund has acquired 48 works of art for Manchester Art Gallery’s permanent collection — a collection that belongs to the people of Manchester. It is now one of the largest and fastest-growing philanthropic acquisition funds in the UK.

The 2026 winners will be announced in a private reception during the preview evening, and the selected work will be viewable on stands throughout the fair.

The Manchester Contemporary has become a strong and interesting showing of buyable work.

I loved the balance of commercial working artists and conceptual galleries. I think the size of the fair is perfect. I really enjoyed the whole experience.

I particularly attend The Manchester Contemporary and this is a great showcase for artists and artist run spaces

We enjoyed the atmosphere and meeting many like minded people and businesses involved in the art world.