Gift Shop: a Pop-up Art Shop on Ayres Road

For a week from 30 May, Gift Shop will pop up on Ayres Road in Old Trafford. The mental health organisation 42nd Street has secured the space as a temporary creative outlet for young people in the area who will showcase their crafts across jam making, baking, jewellery making and ceramics. Local artists will be on hand during the week to lead activities and workshops from the two-berth caravan on the grounds of St John's Community Centre.

The local voluntary sector charity, 42nd Street, is behind the enterprise. Their work aims to support young people who are experiencing stress or other difficulties in life by offering ideas, direction and hope for their futures. Simone Spray says, "Gift Shop is a really important part of our diverse programme. For the young people involved it is an opportunity to learn new skills, get creative and impact positively on their own mental health, sense of identity and self-esteem. This is a new way of working for 42^nd Street and one we hope to replicate across Greater Manchester. We know the hard work and dedication the young people have obviously invested in the shop will inspire everyone that experiences it."

The project has been funded by Old Trafford Community Panel and Curious Minds.

Opening Hours
Saturday 30th May: 12-5pm
Sunday 31st May: 12-5pm
Wednesday 3rd June: 10am-4pm
Thursday 4th June: 2-8pm
Friday 5th June: 10am-4pm
Saturday 6th June: 12-5pm

Words: Ian Pennington
42ndstreet.org.uk