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Lillie Tew

I’m Lillie Tew, an independent contemporary art curator and creative practitioner based in Manchester.

My work centres on accessible, inclusive approaches to exhibition-making and arts education. I’m interested in what happens around the artwork as much as the work itself — the conversations, the process, the environment — and I spend a lot of my time creating the conditions for artists to experiment, grow and reach an audience.

Wide shot image of 'Recollection exhibition at Paradise Works, Salford

Approach & values

  • Amplifying underrepresented voices
    • Much of my work is about widening who gets to make, show and see contemporary art.
  • Collaboration and knowledge exchange
    • The best projects were made with people, not for them.
  • Access as a starting point, not an add-on
    • Care and accessibility shape my projects from the first decision onwards.
  • Artists first.
    • I build projects that centre the artist and communicate the value of their process, not just the finished object.

Background

My practice bridges practical making, critical curation and educational support. I hold an MA in Contemporary Curating and a BA (Hons) in Three-Dimensional Design, both from Manchester Metropolitan University. I’ve held roles across Manchester’s art scene, including Associate Curator at Pavement Gallery and Curatorial Assistant at MMU, and currently work independently alongside production roles with GREENGRADS and the Illustrators Fair. I guest-lecture at Manchester School of Art and The Manchester College.

Where my work has been