The Printworks Big Art project is a collaboration between the popular city centre destination and well-known event producers Wild in Art – who famously brought ‘Bee in the City’ to Manchester back in 2018, as well as a number of other prominent art installations – and its looking for local artists to create a permanent “larger-than-life” visual public artwork inside the venue.
“The commissioners are looking for a stunning, visually engaging artwork that will light up the public space,” Printworks explained.
Open to all artists looking to get involved, the commission will need to reflect Manchester’s vibrant and inclusive soul, and will be displayed ceiling-high within Printworks across a 215m² centrally-located feature wall, where over eight million visitors will see it each year.
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Read more: Landmark Manchester venue Printworks to get a £22 million refurbishment
The Printworks Big Art project is in collaboration with popular event producers, Wild In Art / Credit: Printworks
Speaking on the launch of the new competition, Marnie Ahmed – spokesperson for Printworks – said: “Manchester is renowned for its creativity, with people from all walks of life displaying their talents in many forms, [so] we’re delighted to be supporting artists and offering them a once in a lifetime opportunity to have their work permanently displayed at our iconic venue.”
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Ben Reed from Wild in Art added that it’s “a fantastic opportunity for any artist to express their appreciation for Manchester”.
Iconic DJ, musician, record producer, and competition judge Norman Cook – a.k.a Fatboy Slim – said: “Creativity is the beating heart and soul of Manchester and I’ve always enjoyed playing in the city [so] this is an exceptional opportunity for artists and creatives to showcase their work and I’m delighted to be part of it.
“I can’t wait to see the design submissions.”
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Printworks’ new £22 million refurbishment is said to be part of the venue’s trajectory towards international recognition as a “pioneering, round-the-clock entertainment destination”, and work is anticipated to begin very soon.
The venue will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment, with the works said to be structured to “ensure minimum disruption”.
Printworks’ new £22 million refurbishment is said to be “transformational” / Credit: Printworks
Fancy leaving your mark on the venue’s new look then? Entries to the Printworks Big Art competition are now open, with a Stage 1 deadline of 5pm on 14 March 2022, before Stage 2 will see the shortlisted artists’ concepts displayed at Printworks for feedback from the public.
To apply, artists must complete an online submission – which is available on the Printworks website – and email it over to [email protected].
Submissions must include a CV, examples of past work, and a short statement of interest in response to the brief which details the proposed artistic style and general concept overview in no more than 400 words.
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You can find more information via the Printworks website here.
Featured Image – Printworks
Art & Culture
Castlefield is being transformed into Gotham amidst more Hollywood filming in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Castlefield, with its iconic viaduct and cobbled streets, is once again being used for big-budget filming as the latest Batman/DC Universe title, Clayface, looks to be setting up in the eye-catching Manc corner.
Whether it’s football kit reveals and brand shoots, BBC dramas or the next upcoming Netflix series, production crews can’t get enough of Castlefield, it would seem.
For those who hadn’t heard, work on the new Clayface movie revolving around the cult favourite Batman villain is well underway, and the North West has been used as the backdrop on multiple ocassions this month already.
You can see early glimpses of the set being put together down below.
Come on, how cool is it that we get to stumble on stuff like this right on our doorstep so often?
Speaking to The Manc, a source detailed that the set is being assembled today (Tuesday, 16 September) ahead of a single day of principal photography on what we can only assume is more Clayface filming sometime tomorrow.
While she could not confirm with us directly, she said, “If you’re a comic book nerd and look at the posters, you’ll be able to figure it out.” We’ve certainly been studying all the easter eggs already.
It might not quite be as dark and gritty as Gotham City, but this particular part of Manchester has been used in TV and film – especially period dramas – many times for good reason.
The Victorian-era steel structure, dark red brick and overall industrial aesthetic work so well when it comes to creating a believable and cinematic world.
Besides perhaps the most famous instance of Peaky Blinders shooting in these parts, you can add multiple music videos, several Manchester United and Man City shirt launches, and so many more that we’re starting to lose track.
As for Clayface, this isn’t even the first time the upcoming DC ‘body-horror’ flick has popped up in Greater Manchester.
Last week saw the equally striking Art Deco facade of the old The Plaza Super Cinema in Stockport turned into a fictional movie premiere to stunning effect:
Speaking of, another childhood favourite is filming here in Manchester right now, too.
Besides perhaps the most famous instance of Peaky Blinders shooting in these parts, the new Narnia adaptation by Greta Gerwig may just be one of the biggest projects that has ever landed underneath the familiar ‘birdcage’.
ln fact, it just so happens that there are actually multiple noteworthy small and silver screen works fighting over the Castlefield shooting schedule at the moment…
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd March 2022 
