On Thursday 10th December, the Enlighten Festival launches and neon art works by RECLAIM’s young people will be shown in Manchester Central Library. 

The neon art works were collaboratively written and designed by ten young people from across Greater Manchester. They were written thinking about Manchester city centre, who is this space for, and who feels comfortable here, who are the statues of? Recently Moss Side Pride showed that young people often see a lack of recognition of iconic role models in public spaces. 

Mariama, 15 years old from Gorton, shares why her favourite neon sign is:

‘We are visible’

‘’Being visible is so important. It determines your next step, allows people to acknowledge you and demands attention. I see this neon as a battle cry for the young people around the world; something a real life Katniss Evergreen would scream as she challenges her opponents.’’

Full list of visible words, which is your favourite and what does it mean to you? 

Is the city really ours?

They speak loud. We speak louder.

Manchester lives…not structures

I am not an election prop

We need a voice

More trees please

We are visible