Designs for giant bee sculptures which are going on display in Manchester have been unveiled
80 giant bee sculptures are going on display as part of the "Bee in the city" trail this summer.
Last updated 10th Apr 2018
The final designs of huge bee sculptures - that aim to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity - have been unveiled.
The "Bee in the City" trail will see 80 giant fibreglass bees go on display all over Greater Manchester before being auctioned off for The Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charity - We Love MCR.
When they're in place, you'll be able to download an app to help you find them.
Our reporter Amy Scarisbrick has been taking a first look:
Sally-Ann Wilkinson Director of Wild in Art, the curators behind the exciting art project, says:
“We have had an overwhelming response from artists who want to get involved with Bee in the City. The level of talent in the designs submitted has been really impressive and we are excited to reveal the shortlist to our sponsors. There’s a difficult task ahead in choosing which design they want for their bee. I imagine there will be a real buzz in the air as they make their final decisions.”
The bee emblem has been part of Manchester’s heraldry for over 150 years and is synonymous with the hard-working people of the city, their social cohesion and sense of community; and the city’s pioneering and creatively industrious spirit – pollinating progress and renewal.
The public art trail will run for 9 weeks after which the sponsored bee sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds for The Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Charity - We Love MCR, to improve the lives and live chances of Manchester people. There will be a further 15 bees created by community groups working collaboratively with artists and arts organisations. These will remain within the communities that help create them to serve as a legacy.
Bee in the City is produced by Wild in Art in partnership with Manchester City Council, bringing all Manchester’s communities together to create the exhibition, and includes an inspirational learning project to give children and young people the chance to take part