And Breathe… is an exhibition of artworks from our collection that has been co-curated with mental health groups Start in Manchester, Manchester Mind as well as pupils from Charlestown Community Primary School to explore the relationship between art, positive mental health and wellbeing.

The groups and gallery staff worked together last year in a series of mindfulness sessions in the gallery’s art stores and have developed an exhibition designed to encourage people to slow down, connect with art and themselves to enhance their wellbeing.

The exhibition mixes the historic with the contemporary, moving from 19th century seascapes, to more abstract, surreal and modernist works and contemporary photographic pieces by a diverse range of artists including Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Catherine Yass and Marcus Coates. The colour scheme, seating, height of art works and interpretation have all been developed to encourage people to spend time in the space and a special audio resource with a range of timed mindful meditations will be available. The exhibition will take a seasonal approach with works by Yves Tanguy, Gwen John and Barbara Hepworth included from November 2018.

The exhibition is part of the gallery’s wider The Mindful Museum campaign that aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of how mindfulness can be used within the cultural sector to promote good health and wellbeing.