Opened a gallery, faced eviction, did it anyway: The story of Texture.

Tucked away on an industrial estate in South Manchester, Texture is a gallery that feels like the art scene’s best kept secret. Founded by curator Will and born out of both necessity and vision, Texture isn't just about showing art. It's about creating a new kind of arts infrastructure in a city where affordable, independent creative spaces are increasingly rare. 

We sat down with Will to talk about what inspired the gallery, how it fits into Manchester’s cultural landscape, and what it means to provide a space for art and artists against all odds.

What inspired you to open Texture? 

I’ve wanted to open my own gallery for a long time. As a curator, it gives me the freedom to think about shows in the larger context of an exhibition programme, but also the role of a gallery and its programme in the wider arts ecology of Manchester. 

What drew you to this industrial estate location? What is so special about Maple Industrial Estate?

I mean, it’s an amazing building, its history is rooted in Manchester’s industrial past, once serving as a parcel depot for Manchester’s tram delivery network. But to be honest, I opened the gallery in this space because it was available. And in Manchester at the moment that is sometimes all you can hope for, with development in the central areas pushing artists out into the suburbs, and spaces regularly being under threat of closer, I decided to use this space whilst I can (we’re all evicted at the end of the year) and build a reputation for the gallery to hopefully find somewhere more permanent next year. 

What kind of experience do you hope visitors have as they find and explore the space? What should people expect when they visit?

Well the main focus is interesting exhibitions, that aren’t the same thing you’re seeing everywhere else. The gallery is tucked away on an industrial estate, and it’s a tiny little pristine white space amongst the messy, crumbling walls and leaky roofs. I wanted to create a space that felt unexpected, and that shows what is possible if we have the space. 

Was there a particular gap in Manchester’s art scene you felt needed filling? How do you see Texture fitting into the broader creative community of Manchester?

There are a few small, artist led spaces in Manchester. But there is a lack of ‘curated’ spaces, places with a curated programme of exhibitions. So that was important. But also I wanted to try and bring new artists into the city, artists that people haven’t seen. There are a lot of great artists in the city, and I want to show their work, but there is also space to bring other work in from elsewhere, to broaden the conversation. 

How did you choose these artists for the opening?

Errol, Craig and Candice are three artists whose work I have followed for years. They are artists I wanted to work with, when the opportunity arose. For this show I approached it as three solo shows, so I picked artists who I wanted to work on a solo show with. I intentionally didn’t think about whether their work fit together as a coherent exhibition. Fortunately they did. 

What kind of space are you trying to create for artists and audiences?

For exhibiting artists, I want them to have positive experiences, to be paid, to feel that the exhibition gave them new insight into their work and helped them develop their practice. 

For audiences (including artists) I want people to feel they can engage with work they didn’t know already, I want them to think about the role of small independent arts organisations, and I want people to realise that it is possible just to start up your own gallery. 

What are your goals for Texture, whether this year or further down the line?

This year I want to establish the gallery's reputation. Then next year, we will need to find a new location, so that will be the priority. 

How can people best stay connected, get involved, or support what you’re doing at Texture? 

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What’s been the most rewarding moment so far in your journey of creating Texture?

The opening night of our launch exhibition. Seeing how many people were keen to come and see the space and the show. 

And the biggest challenge you didn’t quite expect?

The relentlessness of it. Running a gallery means there is always the next show. In the past I have either worked more as an independent curator doing sporadic shows, or when running Bankley Gallery, I did so in a team of 4, so we supported each other. Here, it’s just me, and I’ve planned to do 5 shows before the end of the year. But it’s fine, it’s all worth it. 

Texture is a reminder of what can still be done with urgency, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in the power of contemporary art. While the future of the space remains uncertain—set to be evicted by the end of the year—the foundation has been laid for something lasting. Whether in this building or the next, Texture is carving out space for new conversations, new artists, and a new kind of gallery model—one built on openness, curiosity, and care.

Check out Texture here. And follow UPNORF here.