A community crowdfunder has been launched to create a large scale mural in Failsworth honouring Gary Mani Mounfield, the former bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, while raising money for Maggie’s Centre in Manchester.
The project has been organised by not for profit arts organisation GRIT Studios following widespread tributes after Mani’s death in November. The mural will be painted in Failsworth, where he grew up, on a wall secured with the support of his brother Greg Mounfield.
The design has been chosen by Mani’s family and the artwork will be created by Manchester based artist Pic.One.Art, whose recent portrait of Noel and Liam Gallagher outside Sifters Records in Burnage attracted national attention.
The idea for a permanent tribute gathered momentum after Ian Brown delivered a eulogy at Manchester Cathedral, where he said,
“I want to start a campaign for a Mani statue - 50 feet high - a solid gold statue! Mani forever! God Bless Mani!”
While organisers say a statue may remain a long term ambition, the immediate focus is on delivering a mural that fans can visit.
John Macaulay, co founder of GRIT Studios, said he had worked closely with Mani during the period leading up to The Stone Roses reunion in 2011, including trips to Shanghai and Beijing linked to Manchester band Puressence.
“Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He had time for everyone," he said. “The work we did together in China over a decade ago genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist. He encouraged us, believed in us, and inspired us to think big. Having him involved as a DJ and supporter of what we were trying to build meant everything.
"We loved Ian Brown's beautiful words about Mani in Manchester Cathedral and his suggestion of a 50-foot gold statue! You never know - it might happen in the future, but for now we'll focus on a mural - it feels like the least we can do to honour someone who gave so much to Manchester and to the people around him."
All profits from the crowdfunder will go to Maggie’s Centre in Manchester, a cancer support charity that organisers say was close to Mani and his wife Imelda during her treatment. The mural aims to provide a place for fans from across Greater Manchester and beyond to pay tribute, while supporting a cause important to his family.
John Macaulay added,
“The incredible response to Mani’s passing has shown just how deeply he was loved. This mural will be a way for fans to come together, pay tribute and create something very special for the community, as well as raising funds for Maggie's which was so important to Mani and Imelda.”
The Mural for Mani crowdfunder is now live, with donations of any size welcomed by organisers.
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