After the huge success of their Videogame Nation exhibition, Urbis continue to show that they’re one of Manchester’s most progressive arts and cultural spaces with the Homegrown UK Hip Hop exhibition. Manchester has played a key role in developing the sound of UK hip hop and the event also gives Urbis to show that they’ve a lot more to offer than just being a shell for the proposed relocation of the National Football Museum, as has been vaunted of late.

Sound System Culture
A large part of this exhibition, which is curated by Urbis' Andy Brydon and writer James McNally (with help from Kid Acne), is dedicated to rarely seen photos, flyers and film from the personal collections of people like DJ Milo (Wild Bunch). As a key player in the Bristol sound system scene that spawned Massive Attack amongst others, the photos capture many moments in time that have become part of the fabric of underground music folklore. If you have more than a passing interest in the history of counter culture then it is essential you get down to the Homegrown UK hip hop exhibition. Manchester has always had a deep-rooted love of hip hop and has played its part in many of the pillars of hip hop, whether through music, club nights, graffiti or break dancing.

Breakbeat Era
Another area documented at the Homegrown event is the way in which hip hop inspired a whole generation of young people in the UK to develop a passion for music-making that brought about new genres like hardcore, jungle and drum and bass. Urbis have already dedicated an exhibition to the drum and bass scene and this important work is continued with the Homegrown UK hip hop exhibition. Manchester drum and bass heads turned out in their droves to see the work of local hero and prolific photographer Al Baker during the D&B exhibition and Baker’s work will again be on show.

Manc Union
Al Baker’s contribution to this exhibition will no doubt involve his tireless work at club nights across the city. Whether it’s through documenting the likes of Friends and Family, Metropolis or Ape, there isn’t a club night in town that Baker hasn’t passed through with his trusty camera. Manchester’s finest Broke n English have consistently been the focus of his work, and his photography even dates back to the days when local graffiti artist Kelzo turned a derelict Hulme into an urban art gallery. The work of Beezer, Normski and Richard Reyes is also set to make up part of the photographic exhibition.

Golden Years
When the UK scene exploded with talent in the late 90s, it was seen as a golden era and this is going to make up a vital part of the Homegrown UK Hip Hop exhibition. Manchester has always soaked up the work of UK artists like Roots Manuva, Task Force and Blak Twang. Whether that inspiration manifested itself in leaning on the counter at the sadly deceased Fat City record shop, or by making noise at a sweaty basement club like The Roadhouse, or by taking the DIY ethos and becoming a promoter, T-shirt designer, label owner or artist this is an inspirational story that’s still got legs.

Thursday 15th October 2009 is the launch date for the Homegrown UK Hip Hop Exhibition. Manchester Urbis will host the exhibition Thursday 15th October – March 2010. Entry is free. For more information, click on the link below.

Homegrown Hip Hop Exhibition Official Site