Suffragette City: Women in Music. Photo by Elspeth Moore

Suffragette City, celebrating women’s achievements in the music industry, attracted generations of women from Manchester’s music industry and media for the launch party at the Refuge on Oxford Road.

Curated by Manchester Digital Music Archive co-founder Alison Surtees, the exhibition features photographic portraits of 25 key women in Greater Manchester music, including venue owners, sound engineers, record label managers, DJs and musicians.

This exhibition is part of their ongoing project, Rebel Music – The Sound of Politics and Protest in Manchester and is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund.

Alison Surtees said: “The night went really well, such a lovely atmosphere, lots of love and positive energy from everyone. Really appreciated all the comments and feedback, and the turnout was fantastic.

“Reflecting back, it’s really quite sad to hear so many stories of how many women didn’t feel like they had done anything at all, when clearly they have been the backbone to much great work.

“So many of the women said they were honoured for the recognition, in fairness, we were honoured, that they agreed, that they shared their stories, and their time, to show a part of the industry so many don’t hear about. This is just the beginning.

“I hope that it inspires the hundreds more women out there to share their stories, and upload them to our site, it’s so easy to do, and then we can really redress the balance of the dialogue of the history and narrative of music in Greater Manchester.

“Big thanks especially to Elspeth Moore and Melanie Smith for doing so many of the portraits. Our MDMArchive volunteers, Morgan Mazzocco, Markus Hetheier, Jane Donaldson, Karen Clarke, Dave Carmichael and Shuya Lou. Susan O’Shea for support on the night.

“Thanks to Mat Norman who’s helped with portraits, edits of the shorts and images, to our fabulous DJ’s, MDMArchive’s own Abigail Ward, Kath McDermott and Paulette Constable. All the ladies who worked in our groups. Everyone has been so generous, gracious and enthusiastic throughout.”

Music on the night came from DJs Abigail Ward, Kath McDermott and Paulette.

The exhibition is at the Refuge until Saturday 10 March.

FIND OUT MORE

Women in Music get their own exhibition in Suffragette City

For more details: mdmarchive.co.uk

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