Ten brave challengers are set to pit their brush strokes against each other in the hope of claiming victory in Art Battle, Manchester’s high-pressure painting ‘fight club’.
Following the success of its debut outing at 2022NQ in September, Art Battle Manchester will arrive for a second time this time to raise funds for Band on the Wall.
Art-lovers from across the city will be able to circulate a room where ten hand-picked artists will be doing their upmost to create a masterpiece in under 30 minutes.
John Macaulay, creator of Art Battle Manchester, said: “The city is a natural birthplace for creativity and we hope we raise somewhere near to what we did last time [£550] for this year’s charity Band on the Wall.”
“Last year’s first event exceeded all expectations, it really was amazing. The event is an area where people can come and watch art in a social environment.
“Manchester has a lot of really talented artists and the event is a really great platform for everyone in the city.”
The art ‘fight club’ provides spectators with a social environment to watch artists battling head-to-head – for the accolade of Art Battle Manchester champion.
After watching the art evolve, onlookers will decide which artist should progress to the grand finale at the end of each round by voting for their favourite creation.
This year’s venue is steeped in artistic heritage as The Band on the Wall has provided a platform for iconic bands such as Joy Division and this event will see visual artists taking centre stage for the very first time.
“Manchester has a very powerful musical heritage with a very passionate and close artistic community and this event brings all everything together,” added Mr Macaulay.
“We have already had people travelling up from London to this event and this year we are hosting our first ever international contestant from Germany.”
There will also be the chance to walk away with a masterpiece too – all artwork produced will be auctioned off at the end of the night to raise money for the Band on the Wall Foundation.
The charity runs programmes to enable children in local disadvantaged communities to have a musical voice.
Mr Macaulay added: “There is nothing quite like it. Manchester is a social city as well as an artistic city and I think we have tapped into two vibrant areas.”
“We couldn’t have expected the event to be the success that it has been.
“I hope Art Fight will continue to grow. I know this sounds cliché but the journey starts with one step at a time.”
One of those preparing for battle, Laura-Kate Chapman, a freelance artist and illustrator, told MM how her nerves were starting to kick in now the event is on the horizon.
“I have never really done anything like this before, it’s almost like a mix of creating artwork and performing-I really don’t know what to expect. I quite like that though, it will be interesting,” said Miss Chapman.
“I am a little self-conscious about people watching me draw, it’s like someone reading your diary it’s very personal.
“I think I feel a bit precious about people seeing my work in the early stages, when it can look very sketchy – I’m much more comfortable with them seeing the final finished piece.
“Taking part in Art Fight will be really good for me to put that worry to one side and just get on with it. Hopefully I will manage to draw more than a stick man!”
To keep the battles as fair as possible artists are prohibited from using pre painted materials or stencils, so anything can happen on the day.
Another contestant Tamara Schueler, who is the events first international battler, said: “I am very excited and impatient. This is something completely new to me.
“There should be more events like this, especially in combination with music performances.”
A talented array of artists are preparing to do battle for the first time including SLM, the street artist behind the critically acclaimed Northern Quarter portrait of Edward Snowden.
SLM may face off against Fanny Gogh, so christened by The Sunday Sport, after making a collage from knickers donated by the cast of Shameless.
The Band on the Wall will be providing a range of beverages for spectators and a resident DJ, Peter G, will be playing a mix to enhance the event.
John Macaulay and his girlfriend Sophie McNeill were the masterminds behind Manchester’s first interactive Art Battle which took place in September.
Mr Macaulay said: “Manchester has a lot of really talented artists and the event is a really great platform for everyone in the city.
“Every event we want to keep the same formula, but change the artists and the location so it has a unique feel.
“We also plan on choosing a different charity to donate the money made from selling the paintings.”
After the first events success, raising £550 for mustard tree, local northern quarter businesses; Fred Aldus, Home Sweet Home and Almost Famous have all sponsored the Art Battle.
Image courtesy of pdbreen, with thanks
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