The People’s Art launched to help local charities

The Mayor of Bury has launched ‘The People’s Art’, an innovative new charity art wall to help raise funds for deserving local causes.

Created in partnership with the Mayor’s Charity Committee, local artist E. Anthony Orme and G J Plastics, ‘The People’s Art’ will be a permanent reminder of the businesses, voluntary groups and individuals that have raised much needed funds for the mayor’s chosen charities.

The mayor, Councillor Dorothy Gunther, said: “For me, just two words describe The People’s Art: ‘exquisite’ and ‘amazing’.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this happen and also express my special appreciation to Karan Lee, the inspiration behind this fantastic idea; E. Anthony Orme for his brilliant creative talent; and Graham and Jeanette Croston at G J Plastics for their skill in manufacturing and installing the art wall.

“I have every confidence this unique artwork will be a big success.”

Every mayor of Bury chooses their own charities to benefit during their year in office. Cllr Gunther’s charities are Bury Hospice, Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary and the RNLI.

Chris Orme, son of E. Anthony Orme, said:“I’ve grown up working with my father and I’m so proud to see his work on the wall at Bury Town Hall.And for it to be used as a means to raise funds for the important work of local charities is doubly heart-warming.”

Graham Croston, director at G J Plastics, said:“G J Plastics are pleased to have been involved in a project that demonstrates the long tradition of Bury businesses and individuals supporting the mayor’s charities. As a local business in Radcliffe we’re very proud to be part of the Bury community and we hope that Bury people will get behind and support The People’s Art.”

The People’s Art is on show within The People’s Place at Bury Town Hall.

The art consists of two pieces: one incorporates the Bury Coat of Arms containing aspects and symbols from all six of the borough’s towns (Bury, Prestwich, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom, Tottington and Whitefield), and the other features six large shields, one for each of the initial benefactors.

From both pieces flow ribbons of colour for mounting colour-corresponding shields engraved with the names of those that generously give a donation to the mayor’s charities.

To arrange to view the art wall and discuss adding a shield in the name of a business, community group or individual, contact the mayor’s office on 0161 253 5117.To view a video from the launch event go to https://youtu.be/h-TrycNa1NI

So far the art wall has been supported by 21 organisations and individuals: Mayor of Bury, E Anthony Orme, GJ Plastics, Karen Lee, Bury Council, Barclays Bank (Bury branch), Paul and Ben Fox, 207 Field Hospital, East Lancashire Masonic Charity, Merje, Pixelwave Creative, Delta Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Armaan Restaurant, Vibe Gym, Made in Bury, Best of Bury, Marie Farnworth, Bury Means Business, Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Lifestyle Sales and Lettings Ltd, Bentley Motors Ltd.

ENDS

Press release issued: 23 March 2018.