On the eve of Manchester Pride a bridge in the heart of the Gay Village has been given a fresh face thanks to the talents of a local artist.
Earlier this year a call went out to the local LGBTQIA+ community for artists to create a new mural on the Sackville Street Bridge.
From the proposals which were submitted a judging panel was set up to make a decision on which artist would have their change to make their mark.
After thoughtful deliberation, representatives from the Council, Friends of Manchester Gay Village, Friends of Sackville Gardens, The Village Licensed Business Association (VBLA) and LGBT Foundation came to a decision – with artist Jack Dean being chosen.
In his pitch, Jack said that “I want to create something that feels both important to our queer history of the scene.”
Now, we are incredibly proud to announce that the mural has been completed, ready to begin its long life alongside many of the other incredibly pieces of art found in the Gay Village.
This initiative is just the latest step in the process of safeguarding and protecting the physical and spiritual heart of the Gay Village. There are few places in Manchester with a more storied and important history, and ensuring that the stories, struggles and triumphs that are inextricably linked to the Village are not allowed to fade.
This also means looking to the Village’s future as well as protecting it’s past. As one of the city’s most popular destinations for culture and nightlife it’s important that element of the Village can thrive, often in difficult economic times.
Recently the Council launched a trial where venues in the Village could have additional outdoor seating, providing additional covers during their trading hours, and helping to create a more welcoming and exciting ambience for visitors.
To find out more about this trial – click here.
The Council has also developed the Gay Village Action Plan – a plan which set out how the Council and its key partners can work with the residents and businesses in the Gay Village to keep the are vibrant, successful and one that can flourish for years to come.
This process is ongoing and the Action Plan is a key pillar of the Council’s ambition to protect this special neighbourhood.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s wonderful to have seen Jack’s mural come to life over the past week, and, as we head towards Manchester Pride it’s a fantastic addition to our most vibrant of neighbourhoods.
“The Gay Village is an incredibly important place both to the Council and to Mancunians. It’s a constant reminder of our proud shared history of protest, inclusion and the pride we all feel as a community.
“With tens of thousands of people set to visit Manchester during our upcoming Pride celebrations I hope that they will get a sense of what makes the Village special and why it is so important we protect it for generations to come.”