EVENTS
Our events are designed to celebrate the diverse interests and passions of our community, offering something for everyone. From informative workshops to lively panel discussions, from networking opportunities to art exhibitions, our calendar is constantly abuzz with exciting happenings.
What sets SEESAW's events apart is our commitment to collaboration. We believe that the best ideas come from a collective effort, which is why we actively involve our members in the event creation process. By listening to your suggestions, interests, and expertise, we ensure that each event truly reflects the vibrant spirit of our community. Whether you are a long-standing member or someone new to the SEESAW family, our events offer you a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your knowledge, and discover new horizons.
SEESAW's events also extend their reach beyond our immediate community. We embrace the opportunity to collaborate with external partners, inviting industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators to join us in delivering enriching experiences. This ensures a diverse range of perspectives, stimulating conversations, and opportunities for mutual learning that go beyond our walls.
So, whether you're looking to broaden your network, gain new skills, or simply engage with an incredible community, SEESAW's events are here to make it happen. We invite you to explore our dynamic programme, mark your calendars, and join us!
ENSO
Are you feeling disconnected?
We are living with a crisis of anxiety and isolation. Chasing money, careers and other people's fantasies has disconnected us from the critical aspects of experience, namely BEING, DOING, BECOMING & BELONGING. We will:
Be fully present in the creation of simple and beautiful brush and ink art work
Explore the meaning of the Ensō symbol
Engage with the seven aesthetic principles of Japanese design
Step into our present selves with clarity, meaning and purpose
Have fun with some new people and connect
Use breathing, reflective processes, mindful movement and the creation of brush and ink art for greater presence and a change of perspective. Step away from the noise of the disconnected environment. Be a part of the Driftwood Studio mission to make meaningful connection through creative intent.
Coffee And Poetry Summer Party
For people who like coffee but want to try out poetry. ☕🖊️
Coffee and Poems Club is all about coming together in cafes and trying out something new. It's about making writing poetry more simple. People over complicate poetry and it sometimes feels pretentious. We do things differently by meeting in a relaxed cafe to write poetry together.
It's been a great year so far. We've welcomed some great guests, created a space for writing and tried out some new ways to write. So I wanted to celebrate this year of connection in summer. Coffee and Poems Club has found a brilliant home this year at SEESAW so it only seems right to celebrate here.
Expect the usual writing session and coffee with some extra surprises too. All exercises are perfect for beginners and there's no right way to make poetry.
The session will be hosted by Louis Glazzard at SEESAW. Louis Glazzard is an author and coffee lover. His poems have been published nationally and he released his debut poetry collection Human Men in 2021. He started Coffee and Poems Club in 2024 when he realised he spent so much of his own time writing in cafes and wanted to offer a relaxed event for people to try out writing and connect.
Tickets for this event include a coffee in the cafe at SEESAW.
He Said, She Said: The Conversation Continues
He Said, She Said is a space for honest, faith-led conversations that unpack the real dynamics of relationships, friendships, and community. Rooted in biblical truth and real-life experiences, this event creates space for men and women to engage in open dialogue that challenges surface-level thinking and fosters deeper connection. Featuring special guest speakers, each gathering is designed to be thought-provoking, honest, and transformative—bridging the gap between lived experience and godly perspective. Instagram: @Hesaidshesaid.uk
Frank’s Studio - Ceramic Candle Workshop
Make your own ceramic candle! This workshop lasts 2.5 hours, and you will be provided with clay, decorating tools and guidance on how to make your own candle holder. After shaping your candle base, you can either use underglazes to paint your own design, or you can craft your own “glaze blocks” from paper to leave an unglazed design on your work. Each piece will then be fired and glazed before returning it to you alongside a candle so you can get to using it right away!
Book Launch - A love the weight of an animal by Elizabeth Gibson
Be among the first to hear Elizabeth read from her new collection, meet the poet, and celebrate the arrival of A love the weight of an animal, in the creative heart of Manchester. Whether you’re a longtime lover of poetry or passionate about discovering new voices, this evening promises connection, inspiration, and the unique atmosphere that only poetry can conjure. Bring friends, fellow poetry enthusiasts, or simply your curiosity – everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you there as we mark the beginning of an exciting literary journey.
Afrosocial - Property Networking
Join us for an exclusive evening of networking and expert insights at our upcoming Property Networking Event, featuring keynote speakers from HSBC. Whether you’re a seasoned property investor, developer, mortgage broker, or just starting out in real estate, this event offers a rare opportunity to connect with industry professionals and gain first-hand insights from one of the UK’s leading financial institutions.
Panel Q&A: Ask your burning questions about property investment and finance
Networking Opportunities: Connect with property investors, brokers, developers, and financial professional
Real Talk: Hear from recent first-time buyers who’ve been through the process
Networking: Meet others buying for the first time, plus estate agents, brokers, and legal professionals
She innovates: Esther’s Arise
This is more than an event. It’s a call to rise—rooted in the story of Esther and anchored in faith, purpose, and power. We’ll be diving into what it means to: 💫 Navigate influence in today’s world 💫 Embrace womanhood 💫 The power of a prayerful woman With powerhouse guest speakers guiding us through these topics, expect faith-filled conversation, practical insight, and a space that affirms the fullness of who you are—spirit, mind, and mission. Website: Www.sheinnovates.co.uk
Instagram: @sheinnovatesuk
I Will Never Be Finished Removing All These Faces - Exhibition Launch
'I Will Never Be Finished Removing All These Faces' is an exhibition taking place during the month of Pride to provide space for queer artists to showcase their work and to raise funds to ensure the LGBT Foundation can continue their valuable work.
The exhibition will feature work from 13 Manchester and North West based artists, all who identify as LGBTQ+, each exploring in their own way questions surrounding the discovery of self and connection to others, alluding to the idea of the past, present and future all happening at once, and how one’s identity evolves or changes shape over time. Every exhibited piece has kindly been donated as a part of an art sale and raffle, with all proceeds going to The LGBT Foundation.
Other People’s Poetry Vol 12
A Spoken word evening, a little differently, built on an appreciation for poetry that inspires poets.
Artists from around Manchester will be performing poetry that has inspired their creative process, sharing their passion and context for their works whilst performing other people's poetry.
This event is hosted collaboratively between our host Joseph Conway and SEESAW on every third Tuesday of the Month.
Lineup
Qudsia @couldseeher
Anita @anita.ngai
Lydia @lydiajroy
Yursa @yusra_warsama
Keep an eye out on @seesawspace and @other_peoplespoetry on Instagram for updates!
Sapphic Showcase: A Pride Celebration of LGBTQ+ Women’s Talent
Ease into Pride weekend with an evening celebrating LGBTQ+ women’s talent, creativity, and community.
We’re bringing together an incredible line-up of sapphic artists ready to light up the stage with performances that will make you dance, laugh, and leave inspired.
Tickets for the event SEESAW are now sold out, but you can still join us at our Watch Party at LGBT Foundation and soak up the energy with community. You can find the tickets on Eventbrite. There’s also a chance to head over and watch live at SEESAW if spaces free up on the night.
THIS MONTH’S CAFE GALLERY
Pencil to Paper - An exhibition by Dani Strange Ryan
Dani Strange Ryan is a queer Manchester-based artist. Through their portraiture work, they attempt to bring together the specificity of person and place, whilst maintaining the spontaneity and energy inherent in a drawing practice. This stylistic tension between accuracy and expressive gesture aims to create portraits which exude warmth, connection and joy.
Dani's solo show 'Pencil to Paper' displays their trademark portraiture work, alongside unexhibited life drawing sketches and copies from art history, as a way of establishing the drawing process at the heart of the exhibition.
Following the opening night, the exhibition will be on display until August 12th.
SHADE Yoga Club
Come escape the hustle and join us for our weekly yoga club meet-up and discover how transformative the power of yoga has on dealing with stress in a supportive and welcoming community! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, our meet-ups offer something for everyone. Immerse yourself in an hour of mindful movement, guided by experienced instructors who will help you deepen your practice and explore new techniques.
Queer Hive Coworking
Queer Hive are Manchester's Queer Co-Working Community.
We are a friendly bunch of remote and hybrid workers across many different industries who meet a few times a week to get work done and meet new, like-minded folks. Anyone who identifies as Queer or LGBTQIA+ is welcome to join our free sessions by booking on Eventbrite.
We meet a few days a week across the city centre, cumulating in fun Fridays at SEESAW. We also run an active community WhatsApp which is a great resource for more social and community events - please see our Instagram @queerhivemcr for more information!
Catalog Pop-up: A Bookshop on Wheels
Pete from Catalog will be parking his book bicycle in SEESAW's Foyer Area. Catalog is a mobile independent bookshop where quality is valued over quantity. A speciality magazine space with a focus on high-quality publications of both local and international magazines and books.
Treat yourself, grab a read and a coffee - warm out of the rain.
Catalog will be matching the coffee shop opening hours of 8:30am-4pm.