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WOW Manchester: Marketplace

The British Council Pavilion
Meet artists from across the globe in our specially-curated South Asian Showcase in partnership with the British Council. Come and take part in workshops and be WOWed by beautiful textiles, artworks, photography and film from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

Join the Movement: Championing Equality for Women & Girls Worldwide
Did you know that only 1.9% of all donations make it to organisations dedicated to women and girls? We're changing that. Global Fund for Women invite you all to "Join the Movement" and immerse yourself in an interactive space to share your stories and priorities and learn more about 'the movement'. What is the movement? What does it mean? What role does the movement play in advancing individual rights and freedoms?

Lucy & Yak
Get comfy and explore Lucy & Yak's ethically made and size inclusive clothing. Join one of their Re:Yak workshops where you can learn how to upcycle and breathe new life into your favourite clothes, keeping them in circulation for longer.

Want by Gillian Anderson
To celebrate the launch of Gillian Anderson’s new book Want, dive into a world of secret fantasies and unspoken desires. Want collects the letters of hundreds of women from around the world sharing their deepest fantasies and reveals how women feel about sex when they have the freedom to be totally themselves.

Womankind Worldwide
Pull up a seat and join Womankind Worldwide in celebrating their Everyday Feminism campaign with screenings of their newly released short film. Featuring five feminists from across the world, from Afghanistan to Ethiopia, be inspired as they take a deep dive into all things feminism - what it means to be a feminist, what ‘Everyday Feminism’ is and how we can all build a feminist future. Alongside the film, you'll find a photo exhibition and also how you can get involved in the campaign.

Youth Zone
Join our corner of the WOW Marketplace, where creativity and activism meet. Meet some inspiring artists and change makers who use creativity to shout about the things they care about. Browse the incredible ‘Girls to the World’ anthology and get inspired by this amazing global ‘letters of change’ project. Join a mini drop-in workshop and create something yourself which could change the world - whether it’s art that makes a bold statement or words that could move millions, no matter how you express yourself, your ideas are important and we want to see and hear them!


Batik Ying is a studio that crafts modern batik art using traditional batik technique. Batik is not just an art form: it's a simple and unique creative technique with limitless possibilities that showcase 2000 years of traditional craft. Witness live batik painting and learn more about the process behind this traditional 'women's art'.

Be Braver is an independent Manchester based business led by Caroline Pankhurst, which aims to accelerate women in leadership and research courage in women through coaching, consulting, awareness raising, connecting women with courage.

Becky Kayll Designs is a queer run, neurodivergent lead small businesses, making and selling art that celebrates the female body, with a heavy focus on fat positivity and liberation. They aim to make everyone feel totally included and celebrated, with lots of feminist messages thrown in.

Black Joy's mission is to magnify and elevate the Black Joy narrative globally to inspire the the community and supporters to evolve and create a fulfilling life.

Dear Katiopae creates handmade afro-minimalist jewelry that tells stories about African cultures.

Different Kind are rebels in the retail world, dedicated to discovering and showcasing the most exciting, purpose-driven suppliers. They take pride in curating products that not only have aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a positive social impact.

EtLibri makes hand-stitched and bound books, journals and objects made of recycled, marbled a sustainable paper. They also make one-off and small edition original prints.

Florencia's Wigs creates wigs and facial pieces for performers, theatre productions and event companies. It also offers workshops to learn how to style your own wigs for beginners and advanced students from their studio at Islington Mill, Salford.

Girl Gang Manchester are a creative collective of artists, activists, academics and party instigators who produce fun, meaningful and ambitious events. Come and learn more about the community events and projects they're hosting in Manchester, have a go at bracelet-making, and share the hopes, concerns, opinions and experiences of the women of Manchester.

Invisible Dust is a UK award-winning art and environment non-profit. They work with artists and scientists to explore climate change and have commissioned Tania Kovats new piece 'MOONMOTH' which will be exhibited in the Marketplace over the weekend.

Lottie's Lab is a small, eco-conscious candle studio in Manchester, founded by Ms. Liu. Using plant-based soy wax and natural essential oils, their handmade, eco-friendly candles ensure an environmentally friendly and aromatic experience. Craft your own eco-friendly candle at one of their candle-making workshops. These hands-on sessions will not only teach the basics of candle making but also emphasise the importance of using sustainable materials.

Louise French is an artist and illustrator based in Manchester, creating bright and humorous images on prints and a variety of gifts including tea towels, key rings and greetings cards.

Mirror Me Write is an indie inclusive book business run by Ayesha Ansari, a Manchester Teaching Assistant. She started Mirror Me Write just under five years ago to address the lack of representation in the school curriculum and now promotes and specialises in inclusive books from authors of colour and marginalised backgrounds.

NJ Does Clay designs and hand makes bold bright and unique polymer clay earrings that aim to add a little joy to any outfit - whether that's everyday wear or a special occasion. Earrings are an inclusive and expressive way to make you feel like YOU.

Nori Art Ltd. is a Bradford based illustrator and digital artist working on community projects across the UK, particularly in Bradford. Her work is heavily inspired by being a Pakistani woman, and includes prints and illustrated books and graphic novels.

Paguro Upcycle gives waste materials a second life. They curate contemporary fashion and home accessories which are made using reclaimed materials, working with small artisanal producers who use distinctive materials like tyre inner tubes, army tents, seat belts and bike chains. All of their products are made in a way which is environmentally friendly and socially conscious, paying our producers a fair price for everything they produce and ensuring that the benefits are passed on to the communities in which they operate.

RFK Human Rights UK exists to inspire the next generation of change makers. They educate, inspire and mobilise individuals to take action on important causes and work with young people, schools, activists and entrepreneurs to create a vision of a better world. Drop by and take part in line-printing whilst finding out more about their schools resources and purchase their recently published Illustrated Universal Declaration of Human Rights illustrated by local Manchester artist, Emma Evans.

Sanyan is an independent Manchester-based fashion brand, celebrating the vibrant prints and colours of Africa with each garment and blending ultimate comfort with contemporary style. Their ethos centres on empowering every woman to embrace her true, joyous self through fashion that transcends boundaries. With inclusivity at the heart of the design process, they ensure every piece resonates with diverse body types and styles. Committed to sustainability, we cherish our planet by donating surplus fabrics to fellow creatives, fostering a community of innovation and care.

SIRENS (Sisterhood for Interdisciplinary Research, Exploration, Networking, & Synthesis) is an un-funded, non-profit, volunteer-led, interdisciplinary, and intersectional community for working women from all sectors, disciplines, career stages, and backgrounds. They run free bi-monthly women-only socials in Manchester which aim to break down the barriers between different professional sectors to connect women who would not get the chance to meet in their everyday professional settings.

Soul Sisters Empowering People are a charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse to have a life without fear. That could be women, men or children. They run awareness and educational sessions.

Stitched Up / WOVEN is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society whose central mission is to inspire local communities to take action on sustainable fashion. They'll be sharing info about their new project, Stretford Community Dye Garden, along with info about our collaborators in the workshop space, WOVEN and natural dye specialists from the University of Manchester.

Stitches by Hazel is an independent Manchester-based business makeing patches and embroidered earrings at home.

Wolfnoodle is a playful print brand based in Greater Manchester. Started in 2017 by mum of two Sammy, Wolfnoodle has amassed almost 90k followers on Instagram where eclectic interiors showcase many colourful and unique print designs.

Women's Aid proudly stands as the national charity working to end domestic abuse. They have the largest national network of life-saving services (400+) that provide advocacy, counselling, refuge, and locally based support to survivors of abuse around the country and have a 7-day a week Live Chat direct service.

Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) is a self-led organisation supporting women and children going through the asylum system in the UK. They provide a safe space for women to come to socialise, support each other, share information and feel empowered. WAST women express their confidence, show their skills, and heal while attending activities like singing, dancing, sewing group and creative writing. They will be showcasing their members' talents over the weekend.

Women in ERP (WERP) is committed to amplifying the voices of female leaders, innovators, and trailblazers in the ERP Technology sector and shines a spotlight on the untold stories, challenges, and successes of women who are reshaping the future of technology. Dive into enlightening conversations, and transformative insights, and be part of a community pushing boundaries and championing diversity in the ERP realm.

WOW Istanbul will be showcasing the work of WOW in Istanbul, Turkey, supported by the British Council. On Saturday the stall will showcase a film about the earthquakes in Turkey, which has been supported by Mozaik Foundation. On Sunday the stall will focus on BeatsByGirls and will showcase some of the tracks created.

WUKA are a female founded brand catering for all women, girls and people who menstruate with brand values of being inclusive, taboo breaking and creating a sustainable world. They sell period underwear, swimwear and incontinence underwear.