We want to provide an opportunity for a young artist/group of artists to create a piece of artwork along the theme of Manchester's European and International identity. We will invite ideas from young artists over 2016 and allow the Spacehive community to vote for their top three artwork creations. The top three will present their ideas at an open event in Manchester with the most popular idea gaining support and funding for 2017. Manchester is currently bidding to become European Youth Capital (EYC) 2019. The young people driving the bid want to create a pilot project in 2017 to showcase the talents of young people in the city. Pledging to the project will allow members of the community to become founders of Manchester's EYC bid helping bring the title to Manchester for 2019 whilst also supporting young artists and creatives in the city. Please email mcreyc2019@gmail.com if you have a piece of artwork you would like to create through this project. #mcreyc2019 #eycArtwork

What we'll deliver:

• Consider proposals from young artists with the winner able to express and display their idea in Piccadilly Gardens
• Commit to keeping donors updated on EYC events and progress
• Create a piece of artwork in Piccadilly Gardens displaying Manchester's European and International identity

Why it's a great idea:

An opportunity to increase awareness of young people's talents and creativity within Manchester. The artwork will be created by young people under 30 and the theme will demonstrate Manchester's European and International identity in line with Manchester's European Youth Capital bid. The project will allow the winning young artist/artists to gain exposure through a unique opportunity to display their artwork in a prime location in Manchester City Centre, the cost for materials and space will be covered allowing artists across Manchester to submit their ideas without any barriers in relation to money. Supporting this project will give the young people involved in Manchester's 2019 bid a mandate to move forward with the application and showcase the city's potential for hosting the year. 3 key stages: 1) Initial feedback on the idea from Spacehive/submission of artists ideas 2) Spacehive voting on young people's artwork ideas 3) Three top ideas presented at open event.

Steps to get it done:

Support Manchester to become European Youth Capital 2019 through this project, we welcome feedback on the idea. The artwork will be created and displayed regardless of the bid outcome. Further information can be found on the wider year at: www.manchesteryouthcouncil.co.uk/european-youth-capital Facebook - MCR European Youth Capital Twitter - @mcreyc2019 Instagram - @mcreyc2019 We have submitted the initial bid around three key themes - Challenging the City, Changing the Status Quo and Celebrating Diversity. This project will: Challenge the City through making Manchester aware of the challengers and opportunities young people face (setting a foundation for increased youth representation) Changing the Status Quo by putting young people in charge of coordinating the project and creating the artwork Celebrating Diversity through involving the diverse communities throughout Manchester and asking people to embrace their European and International identity. #mcreyc2019