Rising artists’ work selected by fund for donation to Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Contemporary has announced William Mackrell and Emma Price as the first to benefit from its newly-launched art fund, which aims to support rising artists.

William Mackrell, represented by The RYDER, and Emma Price, represented by Two Queens, were selected from more than 150 artists by fund founders and the curatorial team of Manchester Art Gallery following a panel discussion.

Mackrell’s piece, Aquarius, and Price’s Mike I and Mike II, are to be displayed in the gallery.

The Manchester Contemporary CEO, Thom Hetherington, said: “This is an exciting moment in Manchester’s cultural history as we invest in pieces for the future which generations will go on to enjoy.

“As a trustee of Manchester Art Gallery I am well aware of the importance of its permanent collection and for the need for it to remain current, acquiring works from the most daring and relevant contemporary artists. Today’s addition of both Emma and William’s work adds some important new pieces to that collection.”

Curator of Manchester Art Gallery, Kate Jesson, added: “We are this city’s gallery and our world-famous collection of art belongs to the people of Manchester. The Manchester Contemporary Art Fund has enabled us to continue to add to our collection a contemporary and exciting new piece. The fund is an excellent innovation, gifting brilliant new pieces to art lovers both here in Manchester and further afield.”

The £4,000 fund was awarded to the two artists on the opening evening of this year’s Manchester Contemporary.