Therme Manchester launches youth art competition to transform construction site into outdoor gallery

A new art competition aimed at young people across Greater Manchester has been launched by Therme Manchester, with winning entries set to be displayed on a large-scale public gallery surrounding its TraffordCity site.

The 'Artists of the Future' competition was officially launched at Manchester Art Fair, where children took part in creative workshops led by Gorse Hill Studios. The initiative is part of Therme Manchester’s social value programme, which promises community-focused benefits as the £250 million wellbeing resort is built in Trafford.

The outdoor exhibition space will feature winning pieces enlarged across the hoardings at the site, turning the construction zone into a public art gallery that celebrates the creativity of local schoolchildren and young people.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Trafford-based Gorse Hill Studios and will involve young people from both Trafford and Salford. Participating schools and organisations include Barton Clough Primary, St Monica’s, and Holy Cross & All Saints, as well as community groups such as Arts Let Loose CIC in Swinton.

Children will be invited to submit artwork exploring themes including nature, water, fun, and wellbeing, concepts that underpin Therme’s approach to architecture and public health. Materials will be provided free of charge by Therme.

A panel of judges, including Manchester sculptor and painter Helena Worthington, internationally recognised mural artist AKSE-P19, and Roksanna Ciurysek-Gedir of Therme Art, will select the winning entries. Final selections are expected to be announced in February 2026.

Helena Worthington, who is known for her multidisciplinary creative work and appearances as a TV critic, praised the project for its emphasis on local pride and confidence building. “Art can be a real confidence-builder and seeing children’s work celebrated publicly shows them that their ideas matter,” she said.

Winners will be entered into a draw to win a family trip to Therme Bucharest in Romania in spring 2026. All participants will be invited to a celebratory event at Gorse Hill Studios.

Rob Creber, head of social value and partnerships at Therme UK, said the competition was an opportunity to put creativity and wellbeing at the heart of the development: “This is a meaningful way to connect art, community and wellbeing, while giving something back to the neighbourhood that will help shape Therme’s future home.”

Once completed, Therme Manchester is set to become the UK’s first urban wellbeing resort, combining indoor and outdoor experiences, biodiverse gardens, family activities and immersive art installations. The project is being delivered with support from Trafford Council and Salford City Council.