The Sculpts mark MTV EMAs with limited edition tile
The Sculpts has been invited to create a bespoke design as a gift for more than 100 international artists, guests and media attending the MTV EMAs at Co-op Live on 10 November.
© The Sculpts
The decorative tile design marks the 30th anniversary of MTV’s Europe Music Awards which are being held in Manchester for the first time. Musicians expected to perform include multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, singer-songwriter Raye and Teddy Swims. Manchester-born Liam Gallagher will also go head-to-head with rock icons Bon Jovi, Coldplay, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Lenny Kravitz and The Killers in the “Best Rock” award category.
The Sculpts, a founder-owned company, have a shop at Stanley Square in Sale, a permanent stall at Altrincham Market and recently opened a retail outlet at Manchester Airport. They have become known across the city and to visitors from across the world for their iconic range of handmade ceramic ‘Manchester’ tiles. Each 6x6-inch tile is a letter of the alphabet illustrated in a beautiful pen and ink style to depict a different stage in Manchester’s transformation as a city – from post-industrial depression to a technological and cultural force to be reckoned with.
The Sculpts were invited to create an exclusive design for musicians, influencers and media attending the event, which would celebrate Manchester as the host city for the 30th anniversary, highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and recognise the artists who performed at the very first EMAs held at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate in 1994.
The limited edition black and white design features; artists including George Michael and Bjork, a Lowry-style cityscape, musical references to some of Manchester’s finest musical exports, the region’s Winter Hill broadcast mast and the MTV Union Jack logo.
Founder and illustrator for The Sculpts, Richard Bennett says: "MTV was my window to the world of music, a place where creativity and visual artistry collided. The garish aesthetics of the 80s and 90s, inspired by Italian design movements like Memphis and Futurism, were a constant source of inspiration for me. Designing for the MTV EMAs in Manchester was a dream come true, a chance to revisit the nostalgia of my youth and contribute to a channel that has always been at the forefront of visual innovation."
Michelle Louise, Backstage Artist Gifting for the MTV EMAs says: “Working with The Sculpts has been a fantastic experience. Their unique, hand-crafted gifts capture the essence of this vibrant city so beautifully. Their dedication to crafting bespoke designs that celebrate the city's vibrant culture truly stands out. I'm sure the artists will love these one-of-a-kind pieces and take a little bit of Manchester with them – not just in their hearts, but also on their coffee tables!”
The Sculpts have previously collaborated on stunning designs for many of the City’s cultural institutions, including the University of Manchester‘s Bicentenary, Manchester Museum, Whitworth Gallery and the five-star favourite of many celebrities, Stock Exchange Hotel.
The limited-edition MTV EMA design is available to buy as a decorative ceramic tile or an A4 print from thesculpts.com or from The Sculpts’ shop at 26 Stanley Square, Sale (every day except Monday).
