2021 was another… challenging year. That said, there were a number of incredible projects around Manchester that celebrated the best of creativity, even at the hardest times. Some are for great charitable causes, some for the benefit of the community and some that are just great art. Please enjoy this roundup of some of the great projects shared last year.
Blue Monday
Feel Good Club and Manchester’s Finest with Jack Arts
18/01/2021
This poster campaign, spotted on the streets of Manchester city centre, was launched on the third Monday of January 2021. ‘Blue Monday’ is said to be the most depressing day of the year so, to combat this, Aimie and Kiera Lawlor-Skillen, of Feel Good Club, teamed up with Manchester’s Finest and Jack Arts to spread some positivity.
“When we said to @mcrfinest we wanted to spread some positivity across the city today we never in a million years expected that it’d be to this scale
“The quotes are all over the city and if they make one person feel less alone or bring a smile to their face, that’s our job done
You can follow FeelGoodClub on Instagram or check out their website here. Check out Manchester's Finest Instagram and website for all things Manchester. And for all your inspirational hoarding needs, check out Jack Arts Instagram and website.
Stretford Street Art Club
26/02/2021
Launched in late 2020, the Stretford Street Art Club was set up to connect the residents of Stretford through a collective exhibition displayed in the windows of their homes. Throughout 2021, the project has brought together the community with three exhibitions; Dreams, Carnival and most recently Human Change. Keep an eye out on the streets of Stretford in the new year for the next art club.
“The club aims to encourage art based activities of all kinds, shine a light on local talent and forge new relationships within the community.
See the full gallery
“We love working collaboratively and hope as lockdown restrictions ease we can help re-connect a creative community of residents & independent businesses for the good of the area.
You can follow the Stretford Street Art Club on Instagram here or visit their website. You can also find Pomona Studio on Instagram.
24/03/2021
The start of spring saw the launch of a collaborative campaign for Manchester Homeless Charity, Lifeshare. Bringing together a fantastic roster of creatives, the campaign raised over £2,000 in sales of posters, tote bags and t-shirts. The contributors were: Abbie Franks of Proper Good Prints, Caroline Dowsett, Dave Draws, Dotto, Habitats, Han Valentine, Heshty Illustration, Katie O’Rourke Design, Leimai Lemaow and Mikesian Studio.
“Spring is a time when we all feel upbeat and see the dark days of winter are behind us. This year everyone has suffered; we all need to see the spring flowers in the sunshine and our family and friends.
- Judith Vickers, Lifeshare Operations Director
“We’d like everyone to spare a thought for those who are homeless, on the edge of being homeless or living in poverty – for some reason we think homelessness isn’t as bad when the sun is shining. Whether before the pandemic or because of the pandemic, it’s a terrible and complicated situation for anyone.
- Judith Vickers, Lifeshare Operations Director
“Lifeshare is here to support those who need us; we are so grateful for each person who has purchased one of these t-shirts, totes, or prints – it makes a difference.”
- Judith Vickers, Lifeshare Operations Director
You can visit the Lifeshare website to see what fantastic work they do and follow them on Instagram.
Withington Walls Group Show
08/10/21
Artwork at accessible prices was the mantra for the group show by Withington Walls that took place in October. Gathering an incredible roster of artists to create limited edition A3 riso prints, the project raised money for Withington walls and the artists involved.
The show featured over 30 artists, with proceeds split between the running of Withington Walls and each artist. Check out this long list of lovely creators:
@krekfms, @wilf.dessent_, @yes.yes.yerp, @p.e.e.k.e.r, @good_night_vienna, @defomaybe, @lovefrombelow1986, @qubekmanchester, @cortisolkid, @marcus_method, @mattie_art, @lets_have_a_skeg, @becky.mcgillivray, @angrydan, @furiouspie, @lukepassey, @hyrograff, @oskarwitha.k, @mreggs.co.uk, @charliecrossdesign, @mrteaone, @mae_jones, @caroline_dowsett, @jiveprints, @pomona_studio, @mikesian.studio, @missdalys, @iam_chriscooper, @thehammo, @jaysharplesart, @sphere3_som, @atelierbebop
All the prints are A3 and limited to 24 editions each, printed using soy-based inks on 100% recycled 250gsm paper.
Proceeds will be split between the artists and the project, so every sale supports the artists and funds further artwork.
Video by @alexmjfilm and @dancohen.tv
Check out Withington Walls website, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with their fantastic projects.
30/11/21
Partnering with local designers Emma Evans, Guy Mckinley, Han Valentine and MIKESIAN, the #StreetsOfManchester2021 Campaign from Lifeshare aims to help fight homelessness in the city. The exclusive designers are printed onto winter weight hoodies and for every hoodie sold, one is given to someone in need. You can even add a pair of joggers for donation for an extra fiver.
It’s for a brilliant cause Streets of Manchester.
After the success of the initial pre-order campaign, the store has remained open for a little longer, so don’t miss this opportunity to grab a hoodie for a good cause.
If you know of, or are involved in any great projects in the upcoming year, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
As this is a review of the year, all of these projects are from around Manchester but this time next year, the list will hopefully cover a much broader area.
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