We admit it: we’re as giddy as kippers at the fact that we have just confirmed our line-up of 24 judges for this year’s Best of Manchester Awards.
And if we do say so ourselves, it’s a bloody good line-up. Entrants to this year’s awards (which opens for entries next week) will have to impress:
ART
Looking for original and imaginative work across the spectrum of visual arts, from illustration, graphic design and photography to painting, sculpture, street art and mixed media work will be: Rob Carney, Editor of Computer Arts magazine; Kate Day, Director of Manchester Craft & Design Centre; Jeremy Deller, the British artist who was awarded the Turner Prize in 2004; Nick Johnson, Deputy Chief Executive of Urban Splash; Kwong Lee, Director of Manchester’s Castlefield Gallery; Tim Marlow, Director of Exhibitions at White Cube in London; Aileen McEvoy, Interim Executive Director of Arts Council England, North West; Peter Saville (pictured), the seminal graphic designer and Manchester’s own Creative Director; and the Burnley-born painter, Liam Spencer.
MUSIC
Looking for original and imaginative work throughout the field music, from up-and-coming guitar-based bands and live acts to electronic music and sound art, (including performers, producers and promoters) are: Luke Bainbridge, Deputy Editor of the Observer Music Monthly; Justin Crawford, DJ, producer and Director of Electriks Ltd.; Caroline Elleray, Head of A&R at Universal Music Publishing; Yvette Livesey (pictured), Chief Executive of In The City; Dan Parrott, Senior Music Producer at Channel M Television; writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer; DJ Semtex of BBC Radio 1Xtra; and Tim Thomas, producer, engineer, musician and songwriter and Director of Blueprint Studios.
FASHION
Looking for original and imaginative work in fashion, styling and fashion photography are: Flic Everett, the journalist, broadcaster and owner of fashion boutique, Rags to Bitches (winner of our very own 2008 Best of Manchester Fashion award); Wayne Hemingway (pictured), former head of label Red or Dead; Claire Lomax, Co-Founder of Flux Magazine; Jessica Lowe, Press & Marketing Manager for Harvey Nichols Manchester; David Mallon, the head of labels Elvis Jesus, Ringspun and high fashion retail outlet, The General Store; Karen Nicol, a couture embroidery and mixed media textile designer and visiting professor at the Royal College of Art; and Alison Welsh, menswear designer, design consultant and Programme Leader and for the BA (Hons) Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The awards open for entries next Monday (16 Feb). Keep watching for details.
The Best of Manchester Awards 