Arts Archive

Since Victoria Baths closed in 1993 hundreds of artists have made use of the building for their work. Locally based, international and student projects have taken place.

Victoria Baths has functioned as a film set, experimental studio; community arts project base and contemporary exhibition or performance space.  Much of the work has been artist-led and has been viewed by a broad audience.

As well as continuing to support artists who approach Victoria Baths hoping to carry out their projects, Victoria Baths established itself as a commissioning organisation in its own right through its Transition arts programme. Two major projects took place in 2003 and 2004: SWIM and For The Time Being / A Promise of Progress. Arts Council England North West and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund supported both projects. VB Arts continued to commission work in 2006: The Centenary Arts Programe; 2008 Ally Wallace, Artist In Residence in response to the renovation work and in 2011, Antony Hall's Physical Oscillators project and the amazing and very popular Victoria Baths Fanzine Convention.

We believe that Victoria Baths has played an important role in the landscape of arts development and regeneration in Manchester. The informal arts interventions and the VB Arts programmes have brought diverse audiences to the building to experience this work. We believe the arts have helped to develop our understanding of the importance of the place, its architecture and its contexts. We believe the involvement of people in the process of restoration and regeneration can be enriched through artists' involvement.

Most importantly, we feel Victoria Baths has provided a unique opportunity for artists to experiment and share their work with us all.

This archive is designed to give you a taste of the range of projects that have been taking place over the past 18 years. If you know of other arts related work that has taken place here at Victoria Baths at any time in the past, or have images you'd like us to add – please contact us.