'Manchester
has a fascinating history, artistic integrity, an intellectual legacy, great
diversity of people, a lovely self-deprecating sense of humour, it’s not
pretentious, and we work hard...'
What’s
your name?
Sarah
Perks
What
do you do?
I
hold the super title of ‘Programme and Engagement Director, at Cornerhouse which means I’m in charge of all of the artistic programmes. This cuts across
our exhibitions, films, engagement projects (young people for example), lots of
events, and much more. As well as all the team management and strategy, I
curate exhibitions, produce artists’ films and commissions, distribute artists’
film, programme film seasons, talk constantly and run around after artists.
There’s a lot to do, I love it and I have a fab team.
Where do you live?
I
live on one of the cheaper sides of Chorlton, opposite the cemetery, near the
water park where I walk Benji (my dog) twice a day. I resisted Chorlton at
first, then I gave in about a year ago. Some of the stereotypes are unfair, I’ve
never even been to Unicorn. I’ve lived in Oldham, Urmston, Prestwich, the city
centre, Clayton, and more recently on the Rusholme/Moss Side border where I was
chair of the residents association.
Tell
us the story of how you ended up in Manchester.
I
was born here, and without even a gap year, I have always lived in Manchester.
My parents were born here. Further back leads to Ireland (of course) and the
slums of Greengate, Salford. Lots of people don’t believe me because I have an
accent that seems hard to pin down (I don’t know why, I sound Manc-ish to me). I’ve
almost left and then didn’t, though nearly all of my family have left (for as
far away as New Zealand). Anyway I’m still here with Benji, who’s also a
Mancunian, he’s from the dogs’ home.
What’s
great about this city?
I
can gush forever about Manchester and often do, particularly if someone
mentions Liverpool... Manchester has a fascinating history, artistic integrity,
an intellectual legacy, great diversity of people, a lovely self-deprecating
sense of humour, it’s not pretentious, and we work hard. Wherever you go people
know Manchester and are positive about it (I don’t even mind if football comes
up on occasion). This city has a different energy and attitude that’s not
afraid to do something else, be brave and ambitious, and just
get on with it. It’s small enough to be friendly and easy to get around, yet
there’s great culture and lots to do. I’m not entirely sure a working class
over-achiever like me would have got such amazing opportunities in London. We need to keep an eye on the young talent
though and make sure they keep up the spirit.
What’s
not so great?
For
a city of over two million people, there are not enough visible hot single
straight men and those that disagree should make themselves known. Also, on
occasion there’s a little too much sentiment for ‘Madchester’ and certain
people from that era. I’m not saying it wasn’t important but it’s only a small
part of the story and most kids don’t care about it now. I think The Smiths
will endure beyond all that, and Take That probably.
Do
you have a favourite Manchester building?
There
are so many amazing buildings all over the city – visiting artists often want
to research them and are continually impressed by wealth of architecture styles
and influences – that’s what makes the city special. Chetham’s Library is a
particular gem. I also love the view from Peel Tower (Ramsbottom). Recently,
with an artist, we looked into the old Salford Cinema at the top of Chapel Street
out of curiosity, and ended up attending an entire evangelist Christian
service.
Do
you have a favourite Mancunian?
I
think Dr CP Lee is a city treasure. Some others are Emmeline Pankhurst, Morrissey, Davy Jones and everyone that makes
Coronation Street so great. And Friedrich Engels, though he wasn’t born here. I
would like Nick Grimshaw to smash the R1 breakfast show… Mark and Lard didn’t,
although their afternoon show in the early noughties was genius, I still often think
about Halon Menswear...
What’s
your favourite pub/bar/club/restaurant/park/venue?
I’m
always in Cornerhouse bar because I love it, not about promoting it at all, it
would be weird if I didn’t like it and didn’t talk to people there! I like
traditional pubs like Britons and the Peveril Of The Peak, and unless it’s
cocktail time, I like more relaxed bars like The Gas Lamp and Common. Myself
and Benji frequent many Chorlton bars including The Parlour and The Spoon Inn.
A Chinese hotpot with a big group of friends at Red‘n’Hot on Faulkner Street is
the best – I’m particularly crazy about the spam and frog legs bubbling in hot
chilli.
What
do you think is missing from Manchester?
See
the first line of ‘What’s not so great’...
If
I was Mayor for a day I would …
Give
myself a full 4 year term. Seriously, I’d arrange a doggie day across the
centre, bring your dog to shops, pubs, restaurants, galleries, museums,
promoting both adoption from the dogs home and responsible ownership.
Who
else would you like to nominate to answer this questionnaire?
Dr
CP Lee and Jason Singh.
Sarah is Programme
and Engagement Director at Cornerhouse.
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