Idea Submission

Archived: Grant Mitchell

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Hope Mill, a former cotton mill in a run down area of Ancoats, Manchester, has partly been converted to provide affordable, flexible studio space for creative people.

When I say converted, we're not talking 'Urban Splash' converted, it's original, raw (and bloody cold in the winter!)

We run a small design and branding studio on the 4th floor here at Hope Mill, and after many conversations with the building's owner, David French, we would love to 'do something' with all this creative talent.

Therefore, our proposal is to stage an event at the Mill called 'The Festival of Hope', in June 2010.

This would be a spectacular extravaganza showcasing the Mill's young creative talent, giving everyone a platform to celebrate and showcase the diverse, raw and eclectic mix of artists, fashion designers, grafitti artists, graphic designers, sculptors, musicians and photographers, all under one (leaky) roof.

What excites us most is the potential to create a series of unique collaborations and staging events with a twist. For example, we envisage some of the young, unsigned bands who regularly rehearse at the Mill, playing in the old boiler house whilst a live piece of art is created by other resident artists, possibly involving the crowd.

Or perhaps we may stage a unique game of football through another of our residents, FC United in the Mill's enclosed car park. But no ordinary game, this game would take place at night, and would be lit utilising the extraordinary talents of the resident lighting design company 4D creative, using colour, image and sound, provided by one of the resident music designers, whilst Kelzo, Manchester's leading graffiti artist captures this on his enormous outdoor canvas (i.e. a massive wall!).

All of these events would take place over a weekend and we would actively seek to involve the local community, placing creativity at the heart of Ancoats. A place where local people can embrace.

Aswell as celebrating the Mill's creativity, Fluid (6th floor) could provide one of their mobile bars and we could get food from local suppliers e.g. pies from the world famous, Crusty Cob.

David French, is committed to nurturing young creative talent in Manchester and giving it an affordable, inspiring home, a place for self expression. Following in the city's rich cultural tradition and 'let's just f***ing do it' attitude.

Our ambition to stage this festival would be greatly enhanced by securing some funding to stage and promote the festival. Whether we secure this funding or not, the spirit of the Mill's residents will mean that we'll no doubt still do it anyway, however, some funding would mean that we could really make a statement and potentially be act as the first of many more festivals like this.

Transmission's role, together with David, the Mill's owner, is firstly to further develop these ideas into something tangible. From then it will be to co-ordinate, manage, promote and stage the festival.

In summary, we think Umbro and Hope Mill complement each other perfectly.

Amount applied for: £5000