Fuel, the Museum of West African Art, Creative Manchester and Manchester Museum present 

Stained Metal

Created by Inua Ellams 

To celebrate his appointment as Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, acclaimed poet, playwright, and performer Inua Ellams launches his latest project, Stained Metal. 

Inua received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 2023. Now he plans to send the medal to four corners of the British Empire: Kenya, India, Canada, and Jamaica. Artists from each of those countries will be commissioned to respond to a letter from Inua, and to the medal itself. Stained Metal will be a profound exploration of empire, identity, and legacy. 

A free Equinox and Solstice event as part of the Manchester Museum Lates and a week-long celebration around Africa Day, this launch event will begin with introductions by Esme Ward (Manchester Museum Director) and John McAuliffe (Professor of Poetry and Creative Manchester Director), before Inua launches Stained Metal with poetry and the first reading of his letter to commissioned artists, followed by a conversation with the audience. 

Co-presented by Fuel, Museum of West African Art, Creative Manchester and Manchester Museum, this launch event promises to be an unforgettable night of poetry, storytelling, and thought-provoking conversation. 

Equinox and Solstice Event Series 

Presented by Creative Manchester, the Equinox and Solstice series of events bring innovative creative artists to The University of Manchester’s four Cultural Institutions. Each of our unique cultural institutions – the Whitworth, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Museum and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre – focus on building civic, national and international partnerships to advance the social, environmental and individual wellbeing of our communities.  

Time: 5:30pm (doors open, reception), 6:30pm (start) – 7:45pm 

Location: Kanaris Lecture Theatre, Manchester Museum

Free tickets available here.