We are now working on the best of manchester awards 2009

From vintage fashion to the catwalk, from a music collective to pioneering record labels, and from conceptual art to a politically motivated artists’ collective, the 2008 Best of Manchester Awards summed up Manchester’s creativity and innovation. Not only that: with judges of national and international calibre and a 65% increase in the overall number of entries, the Best of Manchester Awards 2008 were a huge success.

But we’re not resting on our laurels. Work has already begun to make the 2009 awards bigger, better and a whole lot more fun.

We are currently looking for media media supporters, sponsors and partners to work with to help us take this key event on Manchester's cultural calendar to the next level. If you want to get involved.please e-mail caroline@urbis.org.uk.

the 2008 awards

A big congratulations to our 2008 winners, who we are currently working with to support and develop their business and creative practice:

•     The Best of Manchester Art Award - Naomi Kashiwagi
•     The Best of Manchester Music Award - Richard Cheetham, High Voltage
•     The Best of Manchester Fashion Award - Simon Buckley, Rags to Bitches

what are the best of manchester awards?

Organised by Urbis, led by Peter Saville and judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, the annual Best of Manchester Awards spotlight the work of Manchester’s creative professionals. There is no age limit, no hype and no rules: just the best creative thinking by the best creative professionals working in Manchester today.

Anyone working within art, music and fashion - and who lives or works in Greater Manchester – is invited to enter. The prize? The chance to have work judged by industry leaders, long-term professional development, a cash prize and an exhibition at Urbis.

The Best of Manchester Awards 2008 celebrated the kind of cutting-edge creativity for which Manchester has long been renowned, and winning pieces included a symphony written for and performed by typewriters; a fanzine, record label and club night all rolled into one,  to a vintage boutique - complete with its own programme of do-it-yourself courses, teaching you how to make the most of your wardrobe.

The three categories – art, music and fashion – are deliberately broad, designed to encourage entries that blur boundaries, mix disciplines and are genuinely creative.

The Best of Manchester Awards 2009 will be open for entries from April 2009.

The best of manchester 2009 awards will be open for entry from feb 2009