ICONS is all about exploring different aspects of our cultural identity, as well as about challenging preconceived ideas about who we are and what exactly makes up a ‘portrait of England’. Indeed, many of our existing and nominated ICONS have been put forward by you because they represent a nation that is culturally diverse, tolerant and open-minded.

The project Mixing it Up: Queering Curry Mile and Currying Canal Street, tackles the stereotypical view of Canal Street as white, male, and gay, and ‘Curry Mile’ as Asian and heterosexual.  Both of these Manchester-based hotspots are nominated ICONS, predominately because they symbolise a multi-cultured and liberal society.

The arts collective Sphere are combining aspects of Mancunian identity with places they are not normally associated with, as Alpesh Patel of Sphere explains.

 
“All the artist projects reflect the limits of visual knowledge as we navigate urban spaces, such as Curry Mile or Canal Street, by mixing up who we might think we will find in these places. Another aim of the project is to mix up where we can find art and who can access it, as well as hopefully mix up viewing audiences.”

 
Customers visiting Sangam Restaurant for example will wait to be seated on a ‘pink’ bed covered with incense and Urdu poetry, inspired by the artist's conversations with South Asian women who are lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.

 
Another aspect of the project will be a ‘queer, urban walk’ around Rusholme with the Doorstep Collective. The public are invited to join the walk in which the artists will read out stories they have collected from people on Canal Street, taking them to a different environment. The walk, on October 12, will end with a meal at Sangam’s and some unusual cake. The cake on offer will have an image of chicken tikka (another nominated ICON) on the icing.

 
“We’re over the moon to be involved in Alpesh’s project and think it will be a brilliant experience for our customers,” commented Sangam spokesman Mukhtar Ahmed. “This is a wonderful way to show people how open minded and tolerant we are as a community.”

Words: Caroline Lewis

 
For more information about visiting the Mixing it Up: Queering Curry Mile and Currying Canal Street exhibition go to: www.24hourmuseum.org.uk