Blockbuster exhibitions in the North

Explore Barbara Walker's works from the 1990s to today in the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist. Her paintings and drawings, including the Turner Prize nominated series Burden of Proof, create space for Black presence, power and belonging.

Travel back in time to 1980s Britain, where punks and new wave bands were revolutionising the culture, in this exhibition celebrating Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman and Liverpool local Holly Johnson. Charting his personal life and career, from budding musician to international star, discover how Johnson dealt with fame, an HIV+ diagnosis, and in turn becoming an LGBTQ+ icon.

Celebrate almost 50 Black women and non-binary artists in this major exhibition that aims to foster dialogue and joy. Spanning painting, sculpture and video works from the past decade, it shines a spotlight on these artists' significant contributions to British art.

A founding member of the Caribbean Artists Movement and a leading Modernist sculptor, Ronald Moody's significant contribution to 20th-century art has been historically overlooked, until now. Don't miss this major exhibition examining the artist's career through 50 works that play with materials, from wood to concrete. Once you're done, check out some of the Hepworth's other exhibitions: Igshaan Adams and Sylvia Snowden: Painting Humanity.

Celebrate the 300th birthday of George Stubbs, most recognised for his grand paintings of horses during the 18th century. The equine artist spent time at Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire in 1762 to work on paintings, which are now returning to the historic house for its largest exhibition to date. Alongside Stubbs' paintings, you can also see works that similarly capture animal and human experiences by contemporary artists including Tracey Emin, Ugo Rondinone and Mark Wallinger.

Marvel at monumental bronze sculptures that explore the female body and experience by contemporary artist Bharti Kher. Addressing issues of gender and identity, this major exhibition explores Kher's works from 2000 to today, tracing different approaches from key periods in her career.

Explore the stories of women and their work across the globe, from China to the Caribbean, in this major retrospective of documentary photographer and activist Franki Raffles, who produced a staggering 40,000 images in the space of 10 years. Raffles documented the lives of women all over the world, uncovering key issues including inequality, gendered violence and disability.

Through portraiture, self-taught artist Lela Harris reimagines six Black people connected to the transatlantic slave trade who lived in Lancaster during the 18th century. Harris has combed through archival material to produce visual records of these people who have been historically erased, crucially reminding us of their existence and humanity.