Inspired by Ian Brown’s eulogy to Mani at Manchester Cathedral, a community crowdfunder has launched to create a large-scale mural honouring the bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and to raise funds for Maggie’s Centres.
The mural, which will be created in Failsworth, where young Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield grew up, has been initiated by the team at GRIT Studios following an overwhelming outpouring of love from fans across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, is supporting the campaign and has facilitated the wall space for the mural and chosen the design. It will be painted by the renowned artist Pic.One.Art, whose recent portrait of Noel and Liam Gallagher outside the iconic Sifters Records in Burnage became an instant landmark and received widespread attention.
Since Mani passed away in November, countless fans have expressed a desire to see a tribute in the place that shaped him in North Manchester. GRIT Studios, the not-for-profit art studios organisation, has stepped forward to organise a community-led, crowdfunded project that celebrates Mani’s life, music and spirit. It will not only fund the creation of the mural but will also raise money for the Maggie’s Centre, Manchester, which was close to Mani and his wife Imelda’s hearts during her cancer treatment and for whom they fundraised.
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For John Macaulay, co-founder of GRIT Studios, this campaign carries great significance as he spent considerable time with Mani during a pivotal period in the bassist’s life, just before The Stone Roses reunited in 2011. John and Mani’s connection grew stronger during trips to Shanghai and Beijing, where they worked alongside Manchester band Puressence as part of an ambitious music venture connecting Manchester with the Chinese cities.
“Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He had time for everyone,” said John. The work we did together in China over a decade ago genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist. He encouraged us, believed in us, and inspired us to think big. Having him involved as a DJ and supporter of what we were trying to build meant everything.
“We loved Ian Brown’s beautiful words about Mani in Manchester Cathedral and his suggestion of a 50-foot gold statue! You never know – it might happen in the future, but for now we’ll focus on a mural – it feels like the least we can do to honour someone who gave so much to Manchester and to the people around him.”
The mural of Mani will be located on prominent wall space in Failsworth, allowing locals and fans from across the UK to visit and connect with the artwork. GRIT Studios hopes the project will become a lasting cultural landmark, celebrating not just Mani’s music but the kindness, humour and generosity that defined him.
Macauley added: “The incredible response to Mani’s passing has shown just how deeply he was loved. This mural will be a way for fans to come together, pay tribute and create something very special for the community, as well as raising funds for Maggie’s which was so important to Mani and Imelda.”
The ‘Mural for Mani’ crowdfunder is now live here and the GRIT team are encouraging donations of any size – all profits from the crowdfunder will go to the Maggie’s Centre in Manchester.
GRIT Studios offers quality and affordable studios for artists, makers and creatives. It encourages collaboration, problem-solving and sharing opportunities to help the community realise their potential.
Maggie’s Centres are warm, welcoming places located alongside NHS hospitals that offer free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families. Designed as calm, uplifting spaces, they help people navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer.
