Exhibition Launch: 760 Days in Sanctuary

Today, Ascension Hulme is proud to launch 760 Days in Sanctuary: Viraj Mendis and Resistance to the Border Regime, an exhibition exploring the history and legacy of the Viraj Mendis Defence Campaign (VMDC).

This marks the culmination of a two-year collaboration with the Radical Reading Room Collective, focused on uncovering local histories of anti-racist resistance and the remarkable sanctuary movement of the 1980s.

The exhibition coincides with The World Transformed festival, bringing together activists, artists, and writers from across Manchester to imagine more just futures. Over the next three days, Ascension Hulme will host events and dialogues highlighting the continuing relevance of resistance, solidarity, and migrant rights.

Featuring photographs by campaign photographer Charlie Baker, original campaign posters, ephemera, and excerpts from oral histories with Viraj and Karen Mendis, the exhibition tells the story of how a small church in Hulme became a national flashpoint in Britain’s struggle over border control and justice.

Visitors are invited to explore the archive, reflect on this history, and share their feedback in person or via email to Dr Kerry Pimblott at kerry.pimblott@manchester.ac.uk.