Papergirl’s guide to Manchester

Papergirl is coming to Manchester. Papergirl is an art project from Berlin where in the style of American paper-boys, rolled art pieces will be distributed by bicycle in the streets of Manchester to random passers-by. You can submit as many pieces or copies as you like before 1st September.

But what are you going to submit? Here’s our essential guide to Manchester.

Start the day off with some breakfast at Koffee Pot.  The art maybe on the shutters but the food is good and you’ll need bags of energy for the day ahead
[Koffee Pot, 21 Hilton Street, Stevenson Square,Northern Quarter, M1 1JJ]

Pop round the corner to Magma to indulge in international design magazines and books. Check out Papergirl Berlin in Urban Interventions, featuring 256 pages of personal projects in public spaces.  Try to resist spending a month’s wages on books and t-shirts. Instead opt for an issue of boneshaker magazine, full or articles, stories and anecdotes about people doing great things with bicycles (look out for issue 3 in October).  Don’t forget to pick up a free copy of Article magazine on the way out – made in Sheffield, Article features art, design, music and urbanism.[Magma Books, 22 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1JN]

Further down Oldham Street you’ll find Mooch N4, a small gallery representing some of the best emerging street artists. Their current show ‘Natural Selection’ is a series of work on canvas and pieces of salvaged wood, by Sheffield based Faunagraphic and Rocket01. The exhibition closes on Saturday 14th of August. Pop round for a brew and a chat Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm.
[Mooch N4, 88 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, M4 1LF]

Check out Papergirl Manchester artist TXLW exhibition at the Chinese Arts Centre. TXLW describes her work as evolving, endearing, sporadic and predominantly image based. Notes to Self visitors are invited to write a note to self and place it in a TXLW bird box. Pick up a TXLW handscreened notebook with recycled paper whilst your there.
[Chinese Arts Centre, Market Buildings, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester,M4 1EU]

Now you’ve found your inspiration head down to Fred Aldous to pick up some materials. Established in 1886, you’ll find everything you need to turn your ideas into art.
[Fred Aldous, 37 Lever Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1LW]

So your pockets are busting with art materials and you could probably do with re-fuelling. Go straight to Common for some food*, drink, art and music. Get out your sketchbook and start working on your Papergirl Manchester submission, whilst checking out the exhibition ‘An Apple A Day’ by DR ME.

*I recommend the veggie chilli.
[Common, 39 to 41 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1HW]

It’s time to print your Papergirl Manchester submissions at Hot Bed Press, where the printmaking facilities cost just £2.00 per hour to members. Hot Bed Press is a not-for-profit open access print workshop, dedicated to supporting anyone with an interest in printmaking. Facilities include equipment for screen printing, etching, drypoint, collagraphs, relief printing and other related processes. They also host a series of courses and workshops.
[Hot Bed Press, Printmakers' Studio, 1st Floor, The Casket Works, Cow Lane, Salford, M5 4 NB]

Now you have created your Papergirl submission, drop it off at Nexus Art Café where you can enjoy some tea and cake, take a look at the latest installation and take part in the events from crafternoons to life drawing.
[Nexus Art Café, Dale Street, M1 1JW]

Now you have submitted your work to Papergirl Manchester await details of the upcoming exhibition and distribution. To find out more visit http://papergirlmanchester.tumblr.com/ 

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