Ian Brown said “Manchester has everything but a beach” while broadcaster and social commentator Brian Redhead said “Manchester ... is the capital, in every sense, of the North of England”. While that’s open to debate, it’s safe to say that Manchester is a cultural hub. A fantastic music scene spawned Factory Records – the notorious record label to the likes of Joy Division and the Happy Mondays, ‘Madchester’ in the eighties which played host to Brown’s Stone Roses and later gave us the likes of New Order, Oasis and the Chemical Brothers.

There are art galleries abound, including established favourites Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery, alongside more contemporary collections at CUBE (Centre for the Urban Built Environment) and the Cornerhouse. LS Lowry, the painter famous for his matchstick paintings of the industrial side of the city, was born in Stretford while forward-thinking graphic designer Peter Saville, who designed legendary record sleeves for Factory and more recently the England football team kit, also hails from the city.

Manchester has been chosen for a new and free exhibition launching in the city this Thursday (June 2nd
– 4th) exploring the relationship between art and technology and celebrating its role in inspiring modern creativity. Some of the most famous classic pieces including Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ and paintings by Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, have been ‘remastered’ by combining the UK’s brightest artistic talent with cutting-edge technology. From 3D visual animations to giant interactive installations, it celebrates art and technology in Manchester.