Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Best of Manchester Awards 2009. The edgy, quirky and creative soul of the city, that’s been plucked by an esteemed panel of judges and assembled for your pleasure on the top floor of the Urbis.

The Best of Manchester Awards, launched last year, celebrate the city’s most innovative thinking in art, music and fashion. Open to everyone that lives or works in Manchester, its aim is to give recognition to boundary-breaking, genre defying work and to elevate the profile of those spirited creative types who are bubbling under the surface. It is judged by a impressive panel of experts including designer Peter Saville, Turner prize wining artist, Jeremy Deller and fashion designer, Wayne Hemmingway. Winners are rewarded with space in the high profile exhibition, lots of media exposure plus a fast track development package. Oh and a big fat cheque for £2000.

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