Unity

Cities of Hope was a landmark street art project that transformed Manchester’s Northern Quarter into a socially engaged open‑air gallery. Launched in 2016, the initiative invited internationally respected artists to create large‑scale murals responding to urgent social justice issues. Each artist was paired with a Manchester‑based organisation working directly on the theme of their wall, turning the festival into a collaboration between global creativity and local activism.

Dale Grimshaw’s mural for Cities of Hope is a powerful portrait celebrating cultural identity and human dignity. Known for his expressive, politically engaged work, Grimshaw created a piece supporting organisations advocating for refugees and displaced communities. The mural features a striking face painted with his signature mix of realism and tribal‑inspired patterning, symbolising both individuality and collective heritage.

Grimshaw’s work often highlights the experiences of marginalised groups, particularly those affected by conflict and forced migration. In this mural, the intense gaze and layered textures draw viewers into a story of resilience and pride. The piece challenges stereotypes by presenting its subject not as a victim but as a person with agency, history, and strength.

The mural quickly became one of the most photographed in the Northern Quarter, standing out for its emotional depth and technical precision. It embodies the Cities of Hope mission: using public art to amplify voices that are too often unheard. Even as the neighbourhood evolves, Grimshaw’s work remains a vivid reminder of the global struggles that intersect with local communities.