Manchester Marathon 2023: Local artist to live paint mural during race – where you can watch

Local artist Venessa Scott will be creating something special for the Manchester Marathon 2023.
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Thousands of runners will be running through the streets of Manchester on Sunday 16 April for the 2023 adidas Manchester Marathon and a local artist has been commissioned to mark the event with a special mural which is being painted live during the race.

Venessa Scott is known for her bold and vibrant murals, as well as her work in arts education, including on the popular CBBC series Colours. Her commissions can be seen all over the North West and Yorkshire.

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One of her most notable pieces to date was the 38ft mural inspired by the famous suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, which is one of the tallest artworks of its kind in the UK. In 2019, she became an official ambassador of the Pankhurst Centre and has been given the title of a Great Mancunian in recognition of her contribution to the city’s creative and arts scenes.

Now she will commemorate the dedication of the thousands of people who take on the 26.2 mile challenge of the marathon through the city’s streets with her latest piece of public art.

Mancunian artist Venessa Scott. Mancunian artist Venessa Scott.
Mancunian artist Venessa Scott.

Manchester artist Venessa said: “I am incredibly excited to be creating a mural artwork for the Manchester Marathon. Running a marathon is such a personal feat of skill, perseverance, and determination and I completely relate to each of those traits.

“The piece I create will be painted live on the day of the marathon and is directly inspired by the amazing participants. I cannot wait to be surrounded by the energy of the day and aim for the piece to capture the joy, community and sense of achievement that comes from taking part in such an amazing personal challenge.”

An example of Venessa Scott’s work in Manchester city centre. An example of Venessa Scott’s work in Manchester city centre.
An example of Venessa Scott’s work in Manchester city centre.
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Chris Atkinson, head of marketing at mass participation events company Human Race, said: “We wanted to work with a local artist to capture the marathon, its supporters and volunteers. Venessa’s art immediately captured our attention. Her work is vibrant, inclusive and so perfectly captures movement.

“We are delighted that Venessa is working with us to create such a memorable piece and helping us celebrate the amazing local art scene and talent of Manchester.”

Where can I see Venessa’s work?

Venessa will be creating her mural at the race’s Event Village. This is located in the Old Trafford area, near the start and finish lines. It is just a one-minute walk away from the Old Trafford Metrolink stop, 10 minutes from the Trafford Bar stop and 20 minutes from the Imperial War Museum stop.

If you can’t get to Old Trafford but still want to check out the race, the route will cover a wide area of south Manchester, reaching as far as Altrincham.

More information about Manchester Marathon 2023 can be found on the race’s website.

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