Manchester is set to be buzzing again thanks to a brand new public art trail coming to the city this autumn!

From Monday 26 October – Thursday 5 December, Windows of Creativity will transform the city into an outdoor art gallery.

From the creators of the hugely popular and award winning trail, Bee in the city, this experience should brighten up the darker months.

Make sure you read about the best way to spend one day in Manchester!

What is Windows of Creativity?

Well known and emerging artists and makers with a connection to Greater Manchester have curated original displays for venues across the city.

From ceramics to fine art and photography to crafts, different artistic pieces will decorate 50 windows and walls across Manchester. You’ll find them in places such as bars, restaurants, museums and shops with a bee identifier symbol.

It’s basically like a Harrods window display, but bigger, better and with a Manchester stamp.

Preview of Kelly Stanfords mural at Science and Industry Museum. Number 40 on the trail map.

Celebrate culture safely

Lockdown amplified how much art and culture enriches lives and shined a light on the benefit of being outdoors.

But it was tough. We’re all desperate to get back to normality. Whilst it looks like that might be a long way off, organisations have thankfully adapted.

This new public art trail will celebrate culture and the outdoors safely.

…a great opportunity to lift the city’s spirits after such a trying time over the past few months

Liam Hopkins, artist

It will encourage people to get fresh air and explore their city, whilst being able to socially distance. Unless we go into a full lockdown, the new tier system will allow people to enjoy the trail and not break the rules.

Windows of Creativity should add colour and vibrancy back into the city as well as the lives of its citizens.

Support local artists

Not only has this trail offered paid work to artists and makers, I’m glad to see you can also buy the pieces directly from the creator. It’s surely a great excuse to buy unique presents in time for Christmas.

More than ever we need to support our local creatives. I imagine most are freelance and we all know the government offered little to no financial aid to the self-employed. So send your money their way and not to the likes of Amazon. Let’s not make the rich richer.

Culture is the beating heart and soul of this city [which] we are proud to champion…

Manchester city council

I can’t wait to go hunting around Manchester. I didn’t quite manage to see all of the bees in the summer of 2018 so let’s see if I can make up for it with Windows of Creativity.

Do you plan on exploring this brand new art trail?

Find out more about Windows of Creativity here.

Here’s an insight into some of the artworks.

Price: FREE to explore.

Trail: You can dowload the interactive app for £1.99 or get a free digital downlaod of the trail from the website.

Dates: Monday 26 October – Thursday 5 December. *Dates could change, so keep an eye on the website.

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