Manchester-based HMG Paints recently supplied a myriad of colored masonry paints to a local initiative supporting the homeless in Manchester. Bringing a large selection of homeless charities and supporting companies together in the creation of a mural located on Ducie Street, Manchester, and now the results have been unveiled.
The mural, aptly named “The Doodle on Ducie Street,” was created to launch the International Arts and Homelessness Summit & Festival, which aims to explore and celebrate the role of the arts in tackling homelessness around the world.
Starting with a planning and preparation day at Mustard Tree, Manchester, the project was completed within a week using HMG Paints water-based masonry paint organized by Laing O’Rourke who supported the funding of the project alongside Human Appeal. “HMG were delighted to be called upon for involvement in this local project. The mural looks fantastic and portrays a really powerful message, creating conversation ahead of the Arts and Homelessness Summit” Said Gracienne Ikin, Marketing and Communications Executive, HMG Paints Ltd.
The mural was created by internationally renowned New York activist and graffiti artist Joel Bergner together with two local artists and over 30 people who have experienced or currently experience homelessness. “We began this journey 3 years ago and with the support from the community, supporting organizations and companies, large projects like these are possible. Most importantly, the participants have created a powerful message through the art on the mural. I think it represents that people who have been homeless have so much to give and contribute to the community” said street artist and activist Joel.
Organized by With One Voice, the international arts and homeless movement founded by Streetwise Opera that aims to strengthen the sector through exchanges in practice and policy, there was an appeal for artists launched, resulting in an astounding amount of charities supporting homelessness in Manchester coming forward and getting involved. “Choosing art as our voice is for many reasons, it’s about personal and societal regeneration, it’s about telling a different story about homelessness, and giving a voice to people who are or have been homeless to say what they want to say to the public.” said With One Voice Director & Streetwise Opera Artistic Director, Matt Peacock.
Talking about how positive his experience working on the project has been, Ben who has previously been homeless himself and now works at The Men’s Room Manchester, who work with people with various issues from homelessness to crime, said “I personally think the way it has united all of the organizations that are out there to help the people of Manchester, it’s been an amazing thing and brought out their creativity. The mural itself demonstrates the struggle homeless people face moving from the dark side of living on the streets, to the hope of the future.”
HMG Paints Ltd is a family owned business situated in Manchester. Now the UK’s largest independent Paint Manufacturer, HMG is proud to work alongside customers to create the very best individual service and tailored solutions for them. With a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise HMG boast a portfolio including wet paint, powder coatings and aerosols, covering virtually every type of surface imaginable. This is all backed by an extensive 87 years’ experience in developing pioneering coatings for a myriad of industries including; industrial, specialist industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle, defence, aerospace, wood finish, decorative, arts and craft, marine and rail, we have a drive to set the standards for the industry not just meet them.
By HMG Paints
