Chain reaction

Last summer, we caught up with the organisers behind Papergirl Manchester, a philanthropic cyclist and designer mash-up that involved distributing rolled bundles of artwork to unsuspecting pedestrians.

At the time we were inspired by the generosity of the project and the range of artwork – some bike-inspired, others not – that was given out for free.

Last year's Papergirl Manchester team decided to deliver in fancy dress
Last year’s Papergirl Manchester team decided to deliver in fancy dress

Papergirl Manchester organiser Janice Stainton, an account manager at Judge Gil, says, ‘For the recipient it’s a gift of free art. It’s more of an emotional thing for the artists, rather than just a chance for self-promotion.’

And it looks like we weren’t the only ones on which the project made an impression. An appetite for the project has spread across the UK and this year five new cities – Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow Newcastle and Oxford – will host similar Papergirl events.

An exhibition at the Soup Kitchen accompanied Papergirl Manchester 2010
An exhibition at the Soup Kitchen accompanied Papergirl Manchester 2010

Stainton says, ‘In 2010 we showcased 83 artists and distributed over 800 pieces of work. This year we hope to get more designers, illustrators and photographers involved in the art of giving art.’

A selection of the work that was given away last year, on show at the Soup Kitchen in Mancheste
A selection of the work that was given away last year, on show at the Soup Kitchen in Manchester

So if you want to share your work with lucky members of the public or fancy yourself as a paper girl or boy, get in touch here.

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles