50 Windows art trail – where to find the amazing public artworks across Manchester

It’s the new public art trail brought to the city from the people behind the hugely successful Bee in the City – and 50 Windows of Creativity is now ready to explore across Manchester.

50 different artists have created incredible murals, sculptures and visual displays inside windows and arches across the city centre that will be on public display from now until mid December.

There’s been huge interest in the new public art event, particularly as the displays have all gone live on half term school holiday week with more people than ever looking for fun things to do for free across the city.

The aim is for artists to help people “reconnect with the city” while also shining a light on the work of local creatives.

All of the artworks are up for sale, with a public auction to be held at the conclusion of the event which will raise money for the We Love MCR charity.

Here, we take a first look at some of the incredible murals, sculptures and art installations that are now on display – plus we have the full map at the end of this article to help you find all 50.

Lazerian – King Street

One of the most eagerly anticipated art installations is this from Mancunian artist Liam Hopkins, aka Lazerian. The work – entitled Curiosity Killed the Cat – is designed to change day by day throughout the event.

The installation is currently formed into what look like giant binoculars in an empty unit on King Street. Keep your eyes posted for developments in the coming days.

Artist Liam said on Twitter about taking part in the project: “One of the main reasons I decided to take part was to help not just other people but also myself during the dark days of lockdown. Art and culture is a great way to bring a little happiness your way and turn a bad day into a good one.” Amen to that!

Hammo – Duke Street

Manchester based illustrator and artist Hammo, aka Nick Hamilton, has created The Seekers, a series of spray painted murals on disused arches on Duke Street.

It depicts a group of curious, adventurous kids exploring the wilderness for colourful creatures and is already a big hit with families heading out on the trail.

 

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Here’s my full 50 Windows Of Creativity wall 👀 (Swipe to see them in detail) The Seekers depicts a group of curious, adventuring kids, exploring the wilderness, searching for these colourful little creatures. As the days are getting shorter, and greyer, they’re like little bursts of colour in the gloom. They can represent different things to different people, depending on what they seek – excitement, inspiration, a friendly presence, little glints of hope, or a comforting glow. Or maybe just a glimmer of light in these dark times. Running from Oct 26th – December 5th you’ll be able to follow the app around the city, to find shop fronts, walls and windows that have been transformed to showcase the work of a selection of the city’s creative types. Feel free to tag me if you get a pic! 😊 . . . @beeinthecitymcr @wildinart #50windowsmcr #50windowsofcreativity #streetart #streetartmcr #mural #manchester #theseekers #explorers #hammo #thehammo

A post shared by Nick Hamilton (@thehammo) on Oct 25, 2020 at 9:38am PDT

LeiMai LeMaow – Hare Street, NQ

Head over to the Northern Quarter to find the vibrant and interactive 50 Window piece from artist LeiMai LeMaow.

Inspired by the city’s rave culture, the completed work features the iconic smiley face, adorned on space at the Yard and Coop restaurant on Hare Street.

 

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My interactive #50windowsofcreativity wall at @yardandcoop for @beeinthecitymcr @wildinart download the 50 windows of creativity app and join the trail #garysarmy #rave #raveflyers #savetherave #mural #manchestermural #dreamscape #fantazia #helterskelter #northernquarter #mcr

A post shared by 🌴 Sayin’ Lar 🐲 (@leimai_lemaow) on Oct 23, 2020 at 11:23am PDT

Kaper – Manchester Museum

Venture a little further out of the city centre to discover the colourful display by artist Kaper, aka Kate Kelly, in the grand arched windows of Manchester Museum on Oxford Road.

Artist Kate is known for her delicate paper bird and flower sculptures and has created a menagerie of birds and Autumnal leaves for the display.

Akse – Bab, Little Lever Street, NQ

 

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My subject @ste_wing 🇻🇳🐝and I 🇻🇳🐝posing in front of the completed mural on @bab_mcr wall for 50 Windows of Creativity project curated by @beeinthecityMCR / @wildinart; the art trail is now live and the work of artists, makers and creators from Greater Manchester are now on display at 50 different venues and businesses in Manchester city centre. A 50 Windows of Creativity app is also available to download, which contains a map of all the locations with details of the artists and corresponding displays (swipe to see screenshots). The project will culminate with an auction in December and some of the proceeds will go to the Lord Mayor of Manchester Charity Appeal Trust @welovemcr_charity which aims to help improve the life chances of Manchester people. 📸 credit: pic by @rikki.clc @rclc_photography #akse #p19 #graffiti #art #streetart #mural #muralart #portrait #50windowsmcr #manchester #mcr #creativity #artists

A post shared by Akse (P19 Crew) (@akse_p19) on Oct 26, 2020 at 11:50am PDT

His murals have become the talk of Manchester, and acclaimed street artist Akse has done it again with his mural for 50 Windows of Creativity – a portrait of Manchester creative director Ste Wing.  Find it on the wall of Bab restaurant on Little Lever Street in the Northern Quarter.

Caroline Dowsett – Hatch, Oxford Road

Head over to Hatch to admire the stunning colourful mural from Manchester artist Caroline Dowsett.

Her works are inspired by movement, words, sounds and feelings and her 50 Windows piece is called Take Your Time – with the aim of doing just that. You can walk into the immersive work and take time to admire the shapes and fluid lines.

Justin Eagleton – The Printworks

Manc artist Justin Eagleton is known for his works celebrating the people and architecture of his home city, and for 50 Windows he has created a colourful new mural inside The Printworks.

Justin said of his piece: “It is a tribute to all those amazing people and friends in events whose lives have been changed dramatically by this pandemic.

“The organisers, musicians, artists, creatives and many more struggling through these uncertain times.

“I wanted to create an image that looked like an ethereal event and have a skyline of speakers and microphone chimneys alongside many nods to the wonderful music we have here. A celebration of live music and of hope and love.”

Where to find the 50 Windows

Download the 50 Windows of Creativity app from the App Store or on Google Play from 26th October 2020. Find the interactive trail map at beeinthecitymcr.co.uk/50windows.