Art sale supports Manchester Homelessness Charter
A series of sculptures by local artist Hilary Jack is to be sold to raise money for Manchester Homelessness Charter
If you've walked around Spinningfields lately, you've probably noticed some unusual foliage: Hilary Jack's bronze sculptures of hybrid wild plants, discreetly nestled among all the concrete and glass.
The nine-piece series, called HOST, aims to create a thought-provoking contrast to the urban environment and raise questions about the nature of public and private space.
Each piece will soon find a new permanent home in return for a pledge to Manchester Homelessness Charter, with 100% of the money raised going towards funding a traineeship for an individual who has experienced homelessness to work on the delivery of the Charter. Calling on citizens of Manchester, organisations and businesses to adopt its values, the Homelessness Charter aims to end homelessness in the city through sharing skills and resources and joining action groups.
Mary-Ellen Mc-Tague: "funds raised from these sculptures will have a huge impact"
The latest in a series of art commissions for the Spinningfields area, HOST has been managed by Castlefield Gallery and is supported by chef Mary-Ellen McTague, who runs the Manchester iteration of The Real Junk Food Project. The Project sources food that would otherwise go to waste and serves meals on a pay-as-you-feel basis, aiming to tackle food waste, poverty and social isolation. McTague wants to encourage businesses and individuals who are interested in owning a piece of contemporary art that portrays a powerful meaning to pledge their support to Manchester Homelessness Charter and make a donation.
“It is undeniable that we have seen a significant increase in the number of street homeless people in the city in recent years,” McTague says. “I think we often feel at a loss as to what we can do as individuals to support homeless people – the Manchester Homelessness Charter brings together charities, business and individuals to make a positive and lasting difference, and the funds raised from these sculptures will have a huge impact in helping the Charter deliver their project.”
HOST's creator Hilary Jack, who works from Manchester's Rogue Artists' Studios, explains: “The plants I've chosen to cast in bronze are the type commonly seen to grow wild from the fabric of neglected buildings and on wasteland in urban centres. The work highlights overlooked aspects of urban life, while referencing the politics of location and the contrast between public and private space.”
Anyone interested in finding out more and pledging a donation should contact Jennifer Dean at Castlefield Gallery on jennifer@castlefieldgallery.co.uk. The sculptures, of varying sizes, start from £2500.