Decision details

The Knife Crime Project (as yet untitled) will commission high quality graphic artists to co-produce a series of graphic designed triptychs with young people and communities around their unique experiences concerning knife crime. Th exhibition will be displayed in St. Peters Square and across the Greater Manchester Metrolink Network. It will be presented as part of SICK! Festival throughout May 2024, drawing on the successful partnership with Manchester City Council and TfGM in presenting “I Am” by Allie Crewe as part of SICK! Festival 2022, “Mindscapes” in 2021 and “Graphic Encounters” in 2019.

The knife crime project will produce the artwork through a collaborative approach with young people and other community members throughout 2023. Creative producers, artists and community partners, will use a trauma informed approach to work with the groups to explore their thoughts, feelings and stories around their experiences of knife crime. They will work with key community partners to identify and support young people and communities through the process, including 42nd Street, Manchester Youth Zone and RECLAIM. A graphic artist will then work with the groups to develop their stories as graphic artworks.

SICK! Productions is a North Manchester-based, diversity-led arts charity (RCN. 1116008) focused on using art and arts experiences to connect people and communities through exploring shared vulnerabilities, especially around mental and physical health.

The GM VRU is seeking to provide match funding for SICK! Productions, who are working with young people, community members and artists to produce a series of installations about their unique experiences of knife crime.

The funding from the VRU will cover the workshops with victims and perpetrators to understand their stories and create a visual art installation.
The total amount of funding to be given by the VRU is £7,500.