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This summer, Greater Manchester has been celebrating its incredible music culture through a city-wide art trail, live performances, and now brand-new fund designed to support the next generation of local musicians.
Global art producer Wild in Art, in partnership with Forever Manchester, has launched the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund, giving local artists a chance to receive vital financial support to cover touring costs, promotion, and paying their fellow musicians.
Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund
The fund was kicked off with a special pop-up acoustic gig at the Cathedral of Sound installation in Mayfield Park, part of the ongoing Music for the Senses art trail. The lunchtime performance brought the installation to life, featuring a brilliant line-up of Greater Manchester’s rising stars, including Rumbi Tauro, Cobain Jones, Concrete Club, Lily Rae Grant, Alex Spencer, and Machariam all artists who represent the city’s exciting musical future.
Which bands donated to the Music for the Senses trail?
Photograph by David Oates
The fund itself is being powered by music fans and art lovers alike. Across the city, 55 iconic guitars are up for auction, some donated by legendary musicians including Oasis, New Order, Elbow, Peter Hook, Busted, Doves, Pixies, PINS, and Mani, and others transformed into stunning artworks as part of the Music for the Senses trail. Bidding on these guitars gives supporters the chance to own a piece of Manchester music history while directly helping grassroots artists thrive.
Photograph by David Oates
The art trail has already captured the city’s imagination, with over 80 artworks, murals, mosaics, and installations celebrating Manchester’s rich musical heritage. Now, as the trail enters its final weeks, the online auction is live, culminating in a grand auction at Hallé St Peter’s in Ancoats on Friday 12th September. All proceeds will go directly into the Grassroots Music Fund.
You can make an online bid at the auction by clicking here
What does Wild in Art do?
Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art, said:Many grassroots artists face real challenges in getting their music out there. With this fund, we’re using the city’s creativity and passion for music to make a tangible difference.
“Every guitar is a piece of Manchester’s story, bid on one, and you’re not just owning a piece of history, you’re helping write the next chapter.”
Photograph by David Oates
This initiative complements Manchester City Council’s recent £250k investment in grassroots venues, ensuring that our local stages are not only protected, but that the talented musicians who perform on them have the support they need to shine.
Applications for the Greater Manchester Grassroots Music Fund open in November 2025, with full details released after the Music for the Senses grand auction.
Want to be part of Manchester music history? Explore the guitars, place your bids online, or join the celebration at Hallé St Peter’s on 12th September, and help support the city’s next generation of music talent.
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