Withington residents launch crowdfunder to turn high street into outdoor art gallery

Withington residents have launched a campaign to transform its dilapidated high street into an outdoor art gallery.

Their aim is to work with local artists to bring new life to unloved and unsightly walls, shop fronts and otherwise dull and empty spaces in the area.

The campaign went live at the beginning of October and now they’re nearing the finish line, having raised over £4,000 of their £5,000 target to date.

Locals hope the project will help to cultivate a renewed sense of pride and identity within their community.

As well as working with some of Manchester’s best street artists, they’ll also seek input from local school children, including kids from Parrs Wood High School.

Earlier this year they dipped their toes in the water with a larger than life mural which paid homage to Withington-born Factory Records as part of a spin-off to the M20 Festival.

Painted by celebrated Manchester-based street artist and former Withington resident Akse_P19, it depicts Factory’s enigmatic art director and graphic designer, Peter Saville, on the external wall of Moon curry house.

Positive feedback has encouraged the organisers to carry on with the project.

Behind the scheme is the Withington Village Regeneration Partnership, a community collaboration set up in 2017 by community leaders, local traders and property owners

Other projects being undertaken currently include the Lock Inn pop-up pub and a pocket park.

They also hope to create a community market and a new public space outside the Library in the near future.

If you’d like to support the project, follow the link below or head down to their Withington by Night fundraiser event on Friday 6th December and watch the lights switch-on whilst you’re at it.

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