O2 Victoria Warehouse and O2 Ritz Manchester have today revealed a brand-new look, with artwork provided by local talent Qubek reminding passers-by of the good times they’ve enjoyed at the live music hotspots.
As part of O2’s national This Is Just An Interval campaign, the venues have been re-energised with an entirely new look and feel as the local community eagerly awaits the returning buzz of experiencing live music once again.
O2, in collaboration with Creative Debuts, identified Qubek, one of Manchester’s best-known graffiti artists and muralists, for the artwork seen at O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester and O2 Ritz Manchester. The art utilised O2’s iconic blue colour palette to bring the venue to life.
Manchester-based artist Qubek said: “O2 Ritz Manchester has got a special place in my heart, I used to go there every Wednesday with my mates, so I’ve loved the opportunity from O2 to express myself on the venue.
The lonely microphone on the floor of an empty venue is symbolic of how people are feeling right now, not knowing when things are going to get better, but adding the text This is just an interval gives the piece an uplifting message of hope”
Gareth Griffiths, Head of Sponsorship at O2, said: “We appreciate these continue to be extremely challenging circumstances for live music venues, still waiting on guidance as to when they can re-open their doors. As we gradually return to normality, it is so important we celebrate O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester and O2 Ritz Manchester, venues at the very heart of their community, loved for the many memories that they have created. The nation has experienced an extended break without live music, but this is just an interval and it will be back. We wanted to show our appreciation by ensuring fans remember the good times until we’re all able to enjoy live music together again.”
O2 has been the proud sponsor of Academy Music Group venues since 2009, championing live music and helping fans get closer to the action via priority tickets, giving O2 customers access to tickets up to 48 hours in advance.