A new art trail promoting positive mental health awareness is opening across sites in Manchester and Salford.
Called Six Places In A Different Light, it features work by artist Tom J Newell, illustrator and community artist Kelly Ma and painter Ekun Richard, and features six striking hand-painted large-scale head sculptures to be found around the city.
The project is inspired by the works of the multidisciplinary art collective We Are Willow and has been curated in partnership with global art producer Wild in Art.
The two-metre head shaped sculptures can be seen at Mayfield Park, Greengate Square, the University of Salford’s Peel Park campus, at the Imperial War Museum North and MediaCityUK.
Each of the sculptures has a QR code on it, which directs visitors to a map of the trail, as well as information on the designs, the charities involved and We Are Willow’s 12-track album.
Open now, the public art trail will run until Saturday 11 December, in support of the charities Manchester Mind, START and The Jamie Horrocks Trust, as well as BlueSci in Trafford and Stockport and District Mind.
Ben Reed, head of creative development at Wild in Art, says: “Wild in Art have always been extremely proud when we get feedback from individuals that our events have helped improve their mental health. Our events get people outside, engaging with high quality artwork in inspiring places.
“We are delighted to be working with We Are Willow on this project; they continue to do amazing work in this space, and we look forward to future collaborations.
“We hope many people enjoy the sculptures that three very talented artists have created, and find out more about how the designs came to life and the vital work our charity partners deliver helping people enhance their mental fitness.”
You can find the sculptures at the following locations:
London Road / Fairfield Street, Manchester, M1 2PH
Mayfield Park, Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PY
Greengate Square, Salford, M3 5AS
Media City UK, Salford, M50 2EQ
Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1TZ
Chapman Square, Peel Park Campus, University of Salford, M5 4QW
Find more information about the art trail here…
