Manchester PR agency Purple Riot has been appointed to lead the launch campaign for a major new public exhibition by artist and illustrator Stanley Chow at Manchester Arndale.
The agency will deliver campaign strategy, regional and national media relations, press office support and launch activity for MCR Made, a free exhibition opening on 3 August.
The installation will transform the shopping centre with 13 giant inflatable portraits, some reaching six metres in length, celebrating figures who have helped shape Manchester’s global identity.
Visitors will be able to follow the trail through Manchester Arndale, discovering oversized inflatable portraits of names including Liam and Noel Gallagher, Marcus Rashford, Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing and Aitch, alongside a new portrait of Ellen Wilkinson created exclusively for the exhibition. The installation will also include photo opportunities and a social media competition.
The appointment comes as Chow continues to attract national attention for his work, including his recent Manchester Evening News front page imagining Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, as well as portraits of Jude Bellingham, Count Binface and the late David Hockney.
Nikki Kitchen, founder of Purple Riot, said: “Stanley’s work is instantly recognisable and this campaign celebrates everything we love about Manchester. It’s creative, visually spectacular and completely unique. Bringing together one of the city’s most celebrated artists with one of its most iconic destinations to celebrate the people who’ve shaped Manchester’s story makes this a brilliant project to be part of, and we’re excited to bring it to life this summer.”
MCR Made opens at Manchester Arndale on 3 August and runs until 24 October 2026. Entry is free.
