Manchester celebrates its most iconic cultural heroes with new exhibition

New Stanley Chow exhibition transforms the city centre into a giant celebration of the icons who shaped one of Britain’s greatest cities

From August to October, visitors are being invited to experience that extraordinary story in a bold new way as Manchester Arndale shopping centre is transformed into a spectacular FREE exhibition, celebrating the internationally acclaimed Manchester illustrator, Stanley Chow and his portraits of people who put the city on the global stage.

Launching yesterday (3rd August), MCR Made sees 13 giant inflatable portraits (up to six metres in length) suspended throughout the shopping and lifestyle complex, creating an immersive trail through one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Visitors can discover towering artworks of Manchester’s biggest names, grab unmissable photo opportunities and celebrate the creativity, innovation and ambition that continue to define the city today.

The exhibition arrives as Manchester enjoys a remarkable cultural and economic renaissance. Long celebrated as the birthplace of bands including Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division and The Stone Roses, and home to two of the world’s biggest football clubs, the great northern city has evolved into one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for food, shopping, live entertainment, culture and creativity. As well as being host to this year’s annual Brit and MOBO Awards, Manchester was also the stage for Chanel’s Metiers D’Art show in 2023, an event which saw streets of the city’s cool, indie Northern Quarter, turned into a runway.

MCR Made celebrates the people whose talent, ideas and determination helped create the city’s extraordinary reputation.

Among the famous Mancunians brought to life in the exhibition are, Liam and Noel Gallagher, footballers Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden, suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, scientist and inventor of the computer, Alan Turing, artist L.S. Lowry, TV legend Caroline Aherne, author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay and rapper Aitch, alongside other trailblazers whose influence continues to shape culture around the world.

Stanley Chow said: “The Arndale Centre for me is my Mecca, and I’m sure it is for so many people from Manchester. I’m old enough to remember when it first opened as a shopping centre nearly 50 years ago, and I haven’t stopped coming here since. I’m a proud Mancunian, so I was very flattered and touched to be asked to do this. Art needs to be seen everywhere, and not always necessarily in a gallery. I can’t think of a better place for as many people as possible from all walks of life to be able to see my work presented this way.”

David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale, said: “Manchester has always been a city that outperforms and exceeds expectations. Through music, sport, science, politics, creativity and innovation, Manchester’s influence is recognised around the world, and MCR Made celebrates the icons whose talent, ambition and determination helped build that reputation.

The exhibition feels particularly at home inside Manchester Arndale, itself a Manchester institution that has been woven into the city’s fabric for almost five decades. The shopping centre provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating Manchester, its creativity and the iconic figures behind its global reputation.”

Few artists are better placed to tell the city’s story than Chow. Born and based in Manchester, Chow has become one of Britain’s most recognisable illustrators, with his bold, minimalist portraits earning international acclaim across sport, music, politics and popular culture. His instantly recognisable style has seen him depict everyone from musicians and footballers to Hollywood actors and political figures, while remaining proudly rooted in the city that inspired his work. Recent (non Manc!) portraits have included Andy Burnham, Count Binface and Jude Bellingham.

Visitors can follow the free trail throughout Manchester Arndale, discovering each installation while exploring one of the UK’s premier retail destinations, with opportunities to capture their favourite Manchester icon and take part in an exclusive social media competition.

Over on Manchester Arndale’s Instagram page, there are 26 limited edition A4 signed prints available to win. Two of every icon from MCR Made, with  prints allocated at random. To be in with a chance of winning, simply follow @manchesterarndale on Instagram and Like the competition post.

David continued: “Whether you’re visiting for a weekend of live music, world-class sport, award-winning restaurants, independent shopping or the city’s renowned cultural attractions, MCR Made offers another compelling reason to experience one of Britain’s most dynamic destinations.”

MCR Made is on display at Manchester Arndale from 3rd August until 24th October. Entry is free.