Music-lovers of Manchester are invited to become part of Music for the Senses, a brand-new, city-wide multi-sensory art trail taking over the city this summer
A guitar amnesty, to collect musical instruments for art installations, exhibitions and to donate to grassroots musicians, is now open
First music and visual artists announced: Danielle Rhoda, Hammo, Liam Hopkins (Lazerian), Loose Articles
Manchester is the place for music, and this summer, while the city celebrates an incredible line up of musical talent, the team behind Bee in the City, will take over the streets with Music for the Senses: an art arrangement for a musical city.
A collaboration between global art producer Wild in Art, and Manchester City Council, Music for the Senses will run from 7 July – 31 August 2025.
Many of the artworks, exhibitions and installations that celebrate Manchester’s music scene will be formed from guitars, and an amnesty is now open for the people of Manchester to contribute instruments, whether they be new, old, broken or revered, to become part of the trail.
At the heart of Music for the Senses is Guitar Street, an interactive installation on a to-be-revealed city centre street by Manchester artist Liam Hopkins, known as Lazerian (Celebration of Polar Bears, Weave). Liam’s artwork will lovingly repurpose 100+ broken guitars, donated by members of the public.
Meanwhile, more than 50 additional unusable guitars will be painted or adorned by professional artists, turning them into individual artworks, and displayed in shop windows and venues around the city. The first artists announced are Hammo and Danielle Rhoda.
Hammo’s artwork will feature Manchester punks Loose Articles, who, fresh from coveted, high profile support slots with the likes of New Order, Foo Fighters, The Lovely Eggs, and Gang of Four, are currently on a headline tour of grass roots venues in the North of England.
Loose Articles said: “Manchester is the centre of the universe and its beating heart is music. We are buzzing to be part of this city-wide initiative that celebrates music for all.”
Celebrated Manchester musicians will loan precious instruments to display in windows, alongside artworks celebrating the artist.
In addition, any guitars donated that are in very good condition or of significant value will be assessed by Rigby Music MCR and donated to a music charity, giving them a second life in the hands of aspiring musicians and the next generation of artists.
Guitars can be taken to Manchester’s libraries and venues across the city centre, please visit the website for details. All donors will be named and credited as part of the trail, and Manchester people will be able to seek out their own contributions and discover the artworks they have become and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people.
50 businesses across Manchester are invited to step forward to support the event and sponsor the artwork on display. When the trail is complete the guitars will be auctioned for charity, with monies raised going to grassroots music projects and venues across Greater Manchester via a dedicated music fund managed by charity partner Forever Manchester in collaboration with key music partners in the city.
Julie Gaskell, Head of Partnerships, Wild in Art comments: “As with Bee in the City, guitar sponsors will be able to network with each other and engage their employees, customers and other stakeholders with their involvement.
“They will have access to the event app and it is a brilliant way for businesses to support their communities when Manchester is filled with music this summer. We have lots of ideas about how you can make the most of this opportunity so please contact us to discuss.”
Guitars can be donated at the following locations:
Manchester Libraries:
• Central Library (St Peter’s Square)
• Forum Library Wythenshawe
• Chorlton Library
• Burnage Library, Activity and Information Hub
• Didsbury Library
• Longsight Library and Learning Centre
• Gorton Library
• Newton Heath Library
• Avenue Library and Learning Centre (Blackley)
• North City Library (Harpurhey)
Music Shops and Businesses:
· Johnny Roadhouse Music (Oxford Road)
· Forsyth’s Music Shop (Deansgate, Manchester)
· PMT (Play Music Today) (Regent’s Road, Salford)
· Rigby Music MCR: The Guitar and Bass Shop (Heaton Lane, Stockport)
