Manchester’s new art trail turns the city into an open air gallery

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There's good news for art-lovers in Manchester who are missing their fix of color and beauty, as a new open-air art trail has launched featuring 60 artworks spread across 50 locations. The 50 Windows of Creativity trail is a self-guided project that has turned the British city into a huge open-air gallery.

The trail showcases the work of artists and makers in windows, venues, businesses and spaces across the city centre. Multiple art forms are exhibited, including fine art, photography, ceramics, crafts, mosaics and murals, and they are curated by well-known and emerging artists, designers, makers and collectives. All have a connection to Greater Manchester, and every piece on display is available to buy directly from the artist or maker.

Artwork of a tiger by Nicola Fernandes in a shop window in Manchester — Fernandes Makes creates fun, quirky and handmade illustrated gifts © David Oates Photography

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The trail has been created through a partnership between Manchester City Council and Wild in Art. They say that as the displays are located or can be viewed from outdoors, they can be enjoyed by people living in or near to Manchester city center, within government guidelines. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe distance and wear a face-covering where appropriate. The team is currently developing plans to increase the trail’s online digital presence to enable those who aren’t able to see the displays in person to enjoy the artwork during lockdown.

Artworks by Benji Reid in a shop window in Manchester — Photographer Benji Reid’s work is displayed on the facade of the National Football Museum © David Oates Photography

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The project culminates with an auction on December 10, which will see a selection of pieces auctioned with proceeds going to their artists and makers, and 25% to the We Love MCR Charity, which supports disadvantaged communities and individuals. Wild in Art is also inviting the public to get creative at home by downloading the window template on its website from November 9 and submitting their own artwork to be a part of a virtual global gallery.

Kaper designs and makes paper sculptures, based on flowers and wildlife © David Oates Photography

50 Windows of Creativity will run until December 5. The trail map can be downloaded here and competition details are available here from November 9.

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