Looking for a unique evening out? Do you want to do something that you haven’t tried before? Well, look no further! This list will show you the best life drawing venues in Manchester. Life drawing isn’t just for art students; it’s a great way for anyone to de-stress while being creative. It can also help improve observational skills, increase empathy, and it’s a great way to meet new people. So, get your sketchbooks at the ready because these are the best venues for life drawing in Manchester.
Bee Creative Studio
Bee Creative Studio provides fantastic life drawing sessions at the beautiful Impossible Bar in Manchester City Centre. It’s very close to the university campuses, and it’s a great opportunity to practice your artistic skills. They welcome people with any level of experience, and sessions are not tutored, which provides a relaxed atmosphere. Materials are provided with the £13.99 ticket, or you can bring your own.
Chorlton Alternative Arts
Chorlton Alternative Arts offers regular life drawing classes every Wednesday at The Edge theatre. It’s a little further away from the campuses than Bee Creative Studio, however, there are some great bars and cafés in Chorlton, so it’s worth a visit. They also offer a student discount, with tickets at just £7 per session! Drawing boards are provided, but they encourage you to bring your own paper and pencils. For anyone looking for something a bit different, they also offer occasional theatrical or performance drawing sessions.
Life Drawing Manchester Group
Featured on BBC Radio 4, the Life Drawing Manchester Group is a fantastic way to socialise and meet new people. Sessions run every Thursday at Studio Bee in the Northern Quarter and on Zoom, which is fantastic for those who want to attend from a distance. Tickets are around £12, and they often offer special events with food.
Life Drawing Plus
Life Drawing Plus also offers a mix of in-studio and online sessions, which is perfect for students with busy schedules. Tuesday classes take place in person at a range of venues, including Studio Bee and outdoor gardens, while Wednesdays are dedicated to Zoom sessions. Long pose sessions happen every last Sunday of the month.
Life Drawing Ancoats
Life Drawing Ancoats (LDA) offer peer-led classes every Monday for £12.50. Sessions take place in Ancoats, right by the Northern Quarter. This quiet, relaxed group welcomes anyone to join, and they encourage you to stay and chat after the session finishes. If you want, you can share your work with your peers and seek advice on your art.
AWOL Studios
For the hardcore students looking to get an in-depth knowledge of life drawing, AWOL Studios offer a four-day intensive course. This one is quite expensive, costing £290 for the whole course, but it’s great for serious artists or art students focusing on the human figure. This is a fully taught course for people of any experience level.
So, now you know all of the best venues for life drawing in Manchester! Is this an activity that you have ever considered? Tell us why you love it (or why not) in the comments. Likewise, if you need more inspiration for fun things to do in Manchester then click here for more ideas.
