CURRY MILE A Changing Neighbourhood .... last week of this not to be missed exhibition

 I am a great fan of Phil Portus's photography.

I have known him for nearly three decades and so I was pleased when he told me about his latest exhibition.“An exhibition encompassing perception, recollection & transition”

It is in CENTRAL REFERENCE LIBRARY Manchester on the Upper Gallery July 10th – September 30th 2023

"Covering over 7 years of documentary photography along this iconic stretch of Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, Manchester, photographers Michael Baker & Phil Portus have captured significant moments in time. Commencing in 2016 following a chance meeting with a local charity worker, Hanif Bobat, of Ethnic Health Forum, they set out to capture the ever-changing landscape and cultural diversity of the ‘Curry Mile’ before it changed beyond all recognition. 

What was traditionally a predominantly Indian & Pakistani influenced neighbourhood, the area has evolved exponentially over recent times, influenced by immigration from the Middle East and East Africa. 

The result has seen an increase in multinationalism in terms of language, culture, bespoke shops, restaurants, cafes, dessert parlours, barber shops and shisha bars, all which have sprung up to serve this ‘new’ community. Perceptions of this street are forever evolving and the exhibition raises the very pertinent question as to whether the term ‘Curry Mile’ is now a misnomer. 

The photographs capture many of the scenes, people, places and religious events of this neighbourhood. The project also references the wider Rusholme community, touching on the impact of Manchester City Football Club’s relocation from Maine Road in 2003 and the demise of the many public houses. 

There is also an interesting collection of ‘Curry Mile Stories’, where past memories and future aspirations of Rusholme, are recorded by members of the community. 

'There are around 90 different dialects and languages spoken here. It is multiculturalism at its best.' RABNAWAZ AKBAR – LABOUR COUNCILLOR FOR RUSHOLME WARD + Meet the photographers at a special talk on Thursday 20th July at 6.00pm + Book via Library Live: Home - Library Live"

Location; CENTRAL REFERENCE LIBRARY, St Peter's Square, Manchester

*Library Live, https://librarylive.co.uk/

**Press Release,  CURRY MILE A Changing Neighbourhood, July 10th – September 30th 2023