ALTRINCHAM will be shining the spotlight on homelessness with a first-of-a-kind arts festival next week.

The Outside the Box exhibition will take place across three locations; Art with a Heart, Local Creation and 6 George Street, from Tuesday November 24 to Sunday November 29.

The exhibition is aimed at raising awareness of those affected by homelessness and the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months, and takes a variety of forms, from poetry, paintings and installations to short films, plays and music.

Experiences are also diverse, with pieces from 100 homeless people in Greater Manchester alongside works by professional artists.

The exhibition is in collaboration with charities Mustard Tree and the Booth Centre, who provide support to homeless people, as well as nurturing and showcasing their talents.

Poet Ged Austin, director of Abard Creations, spearheaded the project.

“Our aim of this event is to give a voice to the homeless and provide them with an opportunity that is otherwise non-existent,” he said.

“Art increases self-esteem and confidence within the homeless community and we hope to challenge misconceptions and show the positive side.”

The exhibition will be jointly curated by Bex Wild, Art with a Heart curator, and previous winner of Art with a Heart’s Trafford Schools Opens, student Jenny Jamieson.

Rebecca said: “Although a percentage of the artists within this exhibition are homeless, this does not make them any less of an artist. Our aim is to show how creativity has no boundaries and to change the public’s perception towards those affected by homelessness.”

Funds raised through the event will be used to buy supplies for homeless people, such as sleeping bags and sanitary products, and these will be distributed by charities.

The exhibitions will be open at each venue from 11am-4pm daily. Anyone who wishes to get involved with next year’s project should contact Ged at jediaustin@hotmail.co.uk.