Ducie Street Doodle

Around 30 people helped paint the Doodle. Some joined through Mustard Tree, the Booth Centre and other support organisations, while passers-by also took part. The mural took a week to complete, and each artist could use their own section freely. Many signed a panel beside the finished work. The named artists included Karl H, Mark W, Kath W, Ben L, Grandad Roy, Lawrence, Mostafa, Terry R, Symon G, Abdul K, Jugs, Cookie, Ozbear, Darryl, Andy C, Matt, Liam, Gaius, Steven, Andy Mills, Linda, Owen, MGC, Bernard, Isaac, Aaron, Tasfit, Samantha, Ramon, Lee, Mike, Steady, Jim and Bill. 

Professional artists Joel Bergner and Sharon Virtue supported the group. Joel began with workshops at Mustard Tree and listened to what people wanted to express. The artists chose a positive theme that would challenge misunderstandings about homelessness, show their abilities and describe a journey towards a brighter future. Joel turned this into the outline of a person flying from shadow into light. He suggested a colour palette that would hold the image together, but within it people used pictures, poetry and favourite song lyrics in any way they chose. 

Matt Peacock, now co-director of Arts and Homelessness International, coordinated a partnership that included Mustard Tree, the Booth Centre, Emmaus Mossley, Stockport Homes, Streetwise Opera and Manchester Museum. The idea grew from a city-wide summit in 2018 about how art and culture could help address homelessness. Matt explained that “people who are experiencing multiple issues need multiple solutions, including positive activity that heals, makes people grow in their sense of wellbeing and pride, and connects people to each other and society.” 

Before painting began, the wall was repaired and covered with a neutral colour. Joel drew the flying figure, and several artists volunteered to have their face used for it. A name was picked from a hat. People then joined and left as they wished. They were at different points in their housing journeys, from sleeping rough and emergency accommodation to longer-term recovery. The atmosphere became festive, and the completed wall was full of hopeful messages that offered a different public story about homelessness. 

Cookie, who had been homeless for two years before joining the Emmaus community in Mossley, cut the ribbon at the unveiling. Manchester Museum then hosted an exhibition connected with the project. The organisers wanted the relationships and confidence created during painting to continue afterwards. Matt said that “the day after was the most important part of it. We didn’t want the positive family atmosphere to be created then evaporate.” 

Read about the impact of the Doodle on one of its artists here, or dig into the wider story behind the project.

How does Manchester use street art to tell alternative stories? Keep exploring This Is Us to find out, or get in touch to tell us about your favourites!