Castlefield Gallery is pleased to present The Social Lives of Objects brings together the work of three artists based in Manchester and London, Hilary Jack, Lisa Penny and Dallas Seitz.

The exhibition examines the complex relationship we have with material goods and explores the journeys that objects make from production and consumption towards obsolescence and decay.

Working across media using found material collected from a variety of sources, the artists’ work is drawn together by their exploration of the social lives of everyday objects, and their interpretation of the essay by Bruno Latour Mixing Humans and Non Humans Together; The Sociology of the Door Closer.

The exhibition references social and anthropological research, museum display, personal memory and hints at the history and destiny of the objects the artists have chosen to work with. Plucked from the brink of oblivion these everyday objects are reformed and represented as sculptural installations, public interventions and wall based work, their status raised and their meaning changed.

A dark and playful narrative runs throughout the work which prods the subconscious and references the powerful and poetic relationship we have with material goods in a world overflowing with ‘stuff’.

Contemporary Art Manchester (CAM) presents its inaugural project Trade City; a dynamic, international exhibition in Will Alsop's iconic CHIPS building, supported by Arts Council England and Urban Splash, and in conjunction with Manchester International Festival 2009. Introducing a number of Manchester and UK premieres and new commissions, Trade City has generated new forms of exchange across the city's art scene.

Featuring Artists: Prayas Abhinav, Antifreeze, Rob Bailey, Andrea Booker, Andrew Bracey, Olaf Breuning, Rose Butler and Kypros Kyprianou, Chris Butler, Chipboard Project, Ruth Claxton, David Cochrane, Phil Constable, Paul Cordwell, Toby Huddlestone, Kevin Hunt, jack of none, Aaron Koblin, Yam Lau, Andrew Lim, Haroon Mirza, Becky Shaw, Suzanne Smith, Cheryl Sourkes, Daniel Staincliffe, Cherry Tenneson.

Participating Organisations: 100th Monkey, BMCA, Bureau, Castlefield Gallery, Contents May Vary, Exocet, FutureEverything, Gymnasium, Harfleet & Jack, Interval, Islington Mill Art Academy, Rogue Project Space, twenty+3 projects.

Trade City Launch: 3 – 7pm, Sunday 5th July 2009
Antifreeze Event: 12 – 7pm, Saturday 4th July
Trade City is open 3 - 7pm, Weds to Sun, until 19th July 2009.
Address: CHIPS Building, Old Mill Street, New Islington, Manchester, M4 6EB

More on Martin Hamblen: Using installation, intervention and time-based media Hamblen’s practice is democratic in its delivery and execution, reacting to, and embracing the layperson’s common criticism of contemporary art. Hamblen’s practice is a visual philosophy where actions speak louder than words and language is a red herring.

Come and help Castlefield Gallery celebrate its 25 years of exhibiting innovative contemporary art and supporting artists' development. In collaboration with you, the party-goers, we will attempt to set the record for the largest patchwork cake constructed on a sculptural platform.
Our 25th Anniversary Party will feature, Castlefield Gallery’s Cake in collaboration with you; live music by Mayming, DJ performance, Chef Tarquin Maximus, Ms Coco LaVerne as the party compere and special Guest: Peter Saville.
The best amateur baker will be awarded a prize selected by Ms Coco LaVerne.
R.S.V.P. events@castlefieldgallery.co.uk or 0161 832 8034 – Please provide 1. your name, 2. contact details, 3. number of places and 4. whether you are bringing a cake with you? The best amateur baker will be awarded a prize selected by Ms Coco LaVerne.

Inspired by their own sporting hobbies and exercise routines, Ellie Harrison & Adele Prince have created a network for artists to share these otherwise uncelebrated achievements. Over the last few years, Sports Day has held a number of events encouraging artists to take part in a variety of silly sports-related challenges, which will continue in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympics. Desk Chair Parade invites you to bring your office chair to "compete" alongside office workers from local businesses and people from all over Manchester to freewheel en masse through the streets of Manchester. Sign up to participate.
BOOKING REQUIRED To book please call the gallery on 0161 832 8034 or email events@castlefieldgallery.co.uk with your contact details and number of places. www.sports-day.net

Louise Janvier’s Artienteering afternoon explores the visual acuity of curators, artists and the general public. The orienteering exercise will start at Castlefield Gallery and take place in the Castlefield area; Britain’s first Urban Heritage Park. Using GPS participants will work their way through the time capsule, where each individual will be monitored and assessed. Participants must answer a series of strategic questions and if successful may win the Trophy Cup for their shrewd comments and imaginative illustrations. The trail is suitable for the inquisitive and would be city planners. Sign up to participate.
BOOKING REQUIRED To book please call the gallery on 0161 832 8034 or email events@castlefieldgallery.co.uk with your contact details and number of places.