Open-air gallery featuring Lemn Sissay, Rob Rinder and Jeanette Winterson to launch as part of huge festival
07.05.2024 - 06:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A brand new open air gallery of celebratory art has launched today. The city-wide open-air exhibition spanning 130 sites features work in collaboration with Jeanette Winterson, Lemn Sissay and Rob Rinder.
Taking inspiration from the people's time at The University of Manchester, the exhibition marks the run up to the Universally Manchester Festival - a four-day festival to mark the University’s 200th birthday. Taking place between the 6-9 June, the festival will feature speakers and performers including Professor Brian Cox, GRRRL, Ed O’Brien and Professor Daniela Delneri.
Organisers say the artworks are a 'fusion of creativity', and are each designed by different Manchester illustrators. The inspiring quotes from the colourful personalities have been given new life and can be found in venues including Mayfield Park, St Peter’s Square Metrolink, and on over 130 digital billboards and poster sites across the city.
READ MORE: Universally Manchester Festival: Well-known line-up revealed in celebration of University's 200th anniversary
Contributors include award-winning author and Professor of Creative Writing Jeanette Winterson, and poet and former Chancellor Lemn Sissay. Their quotes will appear alongside those of alumni and drag performer Cheddar Gorgeous, comedian Josh Widdicombe, actor Matthew Horne and barrister and broadcaster Rob Rinder.
The Josh Widdicombe artwork was created by Ellie Thomas, Lemn Sissay by John Owens, Rob Rinder and Matthew Horne by Beth Wilkinson and Cheddar Gorgeous by Louise Hardman.
Speaking about creating a visual representation of the Cheddar Gorgeous’ quote, which has been painted as a mural by Open Minds, in Mayfield Park, Louise Hardman said: "Drag performer, producer, academic, and