Collector Programme

The Manchester Contemporary Collector Programme was launched in 2010 and exists to develop a new generation of collectors.

The programme is an enhanced experience designed especially for art buyers, collectors, and those deeply engaged with the art world. It gives people access to exclusive events, hospitality, and special viewing opportunities.

The Manchester Contemporary 2025

Preview Evening

Be the among first to view the art before the fair opens up to the public over the weekend. Your ticket includes fast track entry to the fair and admission to the Collector Lounge.
Ollie Bridgwater, Source at Gilpin Hotel

VIP Dinner

Dinner hosted at Junction in Manchester Central with a menu created by guest chef. In 2025 we were delighted to welcome Ollie Bridgwater from Gilpin. 
Guided Tour of The Manchester Contemporary

Guided Tours

Join a guided tour of The Manchester Contemporary with fair curator Nat Pitt.

Collector lunch

Collector Lunch

Enjoy a superb lunch with a menu created by Michelin starred chef Paul Leonard from The Forest Side in the Lake District. A fantastic opportunity to meet other collectors and art buyers.

VIP Liaison - Petra van den Houten

Petra van den HoutenPetra is an independent Arts Consultant and Cultural Strategist. Over the past 30 years Petra has worked extensively with emerging artists, commercial galleries, not-for-profit art organisations, art collectors, and philanthropists in Europe, USA and the Middle East. Most recently Petra was Director of Development, Marketing and Communications at Liverpool Biennial. She is a former Head of Major Gifts at the Royal Northern College of Music, Associate Director of Christie’s, Deputy Director of Sotheby’s. She is a current Trustee of esea contemporary and former Trustee of Manchester Art Gallery. Petra holds an MA in Art History from Leiden University, The Netherlands

Apply to join the Collector Programme Today

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