​Q-Park is on the hunt for the city’s best young artist in Greater Manchester.

Q-Park has joined forces with ParkCloud to showcase the best of Greater Manchester’s young artistic talent as part of international event – PARK(ing) Day.

Originating from San Francisco in 2006, the drive behind PARK(ing) Day – which is celebrated annually on the third Friday of September - derives from the need for more open, creative space within urban areas; with ‘parklets’ now popping up in cities all over the world each year in a salute to creativity.

A number of school and college students from the region have signed up to take part in this year’s project - which will see them create a painted concept around the theme of Manchester and urban mobility in the setting of a parking space.

Following a first round of entries from each participating school and college, each artwork will be reviewed by a panel of judges – which includes iconic Manchester street artist, Russell Meehan, aka Qubek. Once a shortlist has been agreed, each student will be invited to recreate their designs at the grand finale, which will take place on PARK(ing) Day itself (21^st September) at Q-Park’s First Street car park in the vibrant, art-inspired neighbourhood which boasts venues such as HOME.

Equipped with painting materials and under the watchful eye of the judging panel, the students will battle it out to win the main prize – £500 contribution towards their further education, a tech prize bundle and winner’s certificate. There is also an additional £250 prize up for grabs for the winning art department.

Laura Newman, Head of Art at Cheadle and Marple College, commented: “ParkCloud’s PARK(ing) Day project has been a great initiative to be involved with and so different to anything we’ve done before. It’s so important for the students to experience live briefs that take them out of the context of the classroom and showcase the career avenues open to them within the world of art. We’re really excited for the final and to see all the other school and college entries!”

John Denton, Head of Sales & Marketing at Q-Park, commented: “Built-up, urban city centres rarely offer the opportunity for the community to get involved with creatively revamping public spaces – especially for local students – so we’re extremely pleased to be championing PARK(ing) Day alongside ParkCloud in Manchester this year.”

Along with Cheadle and Marple College, students from Parrs Wood Sixth Form have also completed their first round of artwork, and now wait in anticipation for the rest of the school and college entries to be completed ahead of the shortlist announcement in September.

Following the final paint, ParkCloud – which is based on Oxford Street in the city centre - will be hosting an exclusive event at Street on 1st to celebrate the culmination of the PARK(ing) Day project and its own 10-year anniversary.

There’s still time for schools and colleges in Greater Manchester to get involved. If you’d like to hear more about the project, please email marketing@parkcloud.com.

To find out more aboutParkCloud, please visit www.parkcloud.com.

To find out more about Q-Park First Street, visit www.q-park.co.uk