‘Back to School’ Art Battle Manchester XXVII

What do you get when you put together ten artists with blank canvases and a crowd hungry for competition, all in a historic building in Stockport? Art Battle Mcr, of course! After a two year wait, the next instalment of this (very) lively event is taking place this September – it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the summer before we cosy up for the colder months.

Whether you’re aged 8 or 78, September always remains the back-to-school month – this year’s battle theme. Making its return even more special, the event is taking place in the Grade II-listed former school, with special, one-night-only access. Along with the original Pilkington tiles, there will even be chalk blackboards completing the ‘school’ look.

Afterwards, the building will be restored into a co-working space named Cheers and Smith, after its original architects. 

Of course, the Art Battle itself is the main event – ten painters and illustrators will cross swords, or brushes, to win the champion title, with just 30 minutes and under the watchful eye of the crowd who then decide the winner. Masterpieces will appear in front of our very eyes, hosted by DJ and broadcaster Hattie Pearson.

John Macaulay, Co-Founder of Art Battle Mcr described the venue as “the perfect backdrop to see [the] artists go head-to-head, there’s even a viewing balcony to watch the action from a different viewpoints (…). Expect lots of energy, incredible art, good music and Stockport‘s finest indie food and drink”.

Indeed, art is not the only thing to look forward to – Art Battle spotlights some of the best Stockport food traders, including Polish bakery Sticky Fingers and Café San Juan. Runaway Brewery, Stockport Gin and Cherry Jam will all be supplying drinks in pop-up bars too so make sure you sample the local delights.

Get ready to cheer as loud as you can and may the best artist win at this year’s Art Battle Mcr!