Showcasing local artists and makers, the community event is hoped to ‘lift the city’s spirits’
After causing a buzz with their colourful critters in 2018, the team behind Bee in the City are back with a new Manchester art trail this autumn.
Showcasing the work of artists and makers through displays citywide - from windows to venues and businesses - 50 Windows of Creativity will span fine art and photography to ceramics, crafts, mosaics and murals. Displays, all with a connection to Greater Manchester, will be curated by local artists or cultural venues and festivals that haven’t been able to host events this year.
Much like Bee in the City, it is hoped the event will inspire a sense of community while celebrating our regional talent and supporting the economy. Proceedings will again culminate in a charitable auction.
Artists and makers taking part in 50 Windows of Creativity include Wellcome Trust prize winner Benji Reid, Manchester-born mixed media landscape artist Sarah Connell and contemporary creative studio Lazerian - with more to be announced.
All pieces on display will be available to buy directly from the artist or maker, giving a much-needed boost to the city’s creative community.
Global public art producers Wild in Art, whose previous work includes the award-winning Bee in the City, will produce the event in partnership with Manchester City Council. Building on Manchester’s reputation for innovation and the vital role that art and culture plays in its social and economic life, the event will help residents to reconnect with citywide places and spaces again as part of the Council’s recovery programme.
Charlie Langhorne, co-founder and managing director of Wild in Art, said: “The team is delighted to be back in Manchester working with the city, its businesses and the creative community to produce this event. It is a slight departure to our traditional sculpture trails and it will be our first ever ‘window’ trail - firmly putting the spotlight on the city’s artists and makers.
“One of Manchester’s unique qualities is its ability to bring people together and we hope 50 Windows of Creativity will enable Mancunians to rediscover the city in a safe and socially distanced way, while enjoying a new type of outdoor event.”
Councillor Luthfur Rahman - executive member for skills, culture and leisure - said: “Bee in the City was a captivating example of the power that the arts and culture can have for the people of Manchester. Culture is the beating heart and soul of this city and as a Council we are proud to champion this sector.
“This latest offering will allow people to engage with and enjoy culture after months of lockdown where our favourite venues - whether they are galleries, museums, parks or libraries - have been off limits for many. A huge amount of work has gone into helping Manchester recover economically; what we need to see now is the same level of support to see the city recover culturally, a sector which is intrinsic to the city’s economic recovery. This is why it is crucial that we engage with projects like 50 Windows of Creativity.
“Now more than ever it is so important that we show support for the arts community, and I hope that when this project is ready people will take the time to explore it and appreciate the incredible talent that Manchester has to offer.”
A selection of pieces will be auctioned at the end of the project. Half of proceeds will go to their artists and makers, the remainder to The Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust - We Love MCR Charity (registered charity number 1066972), which aims to help improve the lives and life chances of Manchester people.
Fancy getting involved? Here’s how…
Businesses
Businesses wanting more information about supporting the event though sponsorship should contact Julie Gaskell, head of partnerships at Wild in Art: julie@wildinart.co.uk.
Those interested in providing a window space or having an installation in their premises should contact 50windows@wildinart.co.uk.
Artists
Wild in Art would also like to hear from new and established Greater Manchester-based artists who have an idea for an installation. Please email 50windows@wildinart.co.uk by 5pm on 9th September 2020.
Wild in Art
Wild in Art is a leading producer of spectacular public art events that entertain, enrich, inform and leave a lasting legacy. It brings together businesses and creative sectors with schools and local communities through the creation of uniquely painted sculptures.
Since 2008 Wild in Art has animated cities across the world including Manchester, Sydney, Auckland, Cape Town and São Paulo, and created trails for the London 2012 Olympics, the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Historic Royal Palaces and Penguin Random House.
Wild in Art events have:
• Enabled over £15m to be raised for charitable causes
• Injected £2.4m into local creative communities
• Engaged over 850,000 young people in learning programmes
• Helped millions of people of all ages to experience art in non-traditional settings
More updates on 50 Windows of Creativity coming soon - for now, check out the website.
