Five Manchester photographers are taking part in an afternoon which is aimed at working towards Manchester being an ‘open city’ for photography. Organised by Cityco, Manchester’s City Centre management company, up to 100 amateur photographers will be taken on a free two hour photography tour around the city on Sunday 23 May 2010.

Photographers, who include Aidan O’Rourke, Andrew Brooks, Len Grant, Paul Herrmann and Mark Page will each take a group of budding amateur snappers on a themed photography workshop and a selection of the best images will form an exhibition to be held in the Triangle shopping centre in June. Each photographer has his own unique style, and is passionate about the city, and together they are helping to make Manchester a destination for photography.

Vaughan Allen, chief executive of Cityco said: “Manchester aspires to be a photography-friendly and accessible place where people don’t get hassled or arrested for taking pictures. We’re talking to the authorities to work together to move towards us becoming an ‘open city’. This initiative is all about celebrating Manchester through the lens and we’re delighted to be working with some of the city’s most notable photographers to make this happen. We want today to really inspire many more people to get out and about and capture the essence of our wonderful city.”

Redeye's Paul Herrmann said: 'Redeye's very keen that cities are safe and enjoyable places to take photographs. We work nationally with other photography organisations to try and reduce the number of times that photographers are stopped unnecessarily by the police and private security guards, and we'd like our home city of Manchester to lead the way in this respect. We're pleased to be working with Cityco to achieve this goal.'

Those taking part must be 18 years old or older on 23rd May, bring their own photography equipment, be willing to take part in publicity and allow their images to be published and used in the exhibition if selected. The event is particularly aimed at amateur photographers but anyone can sign up.

To apply please send your name, age, email address and a day-time phone number quoting ‘Redeye Open City’ in the subject header to info@cityco.com by 14th May. This opportunity is on a first come, first served basis and all successful applicants will be contacted with further details by 17th May.

Links for more info:
www.aidan.co.uk
www.andrewbrooksphotography.com
www.lengrant.co.uk
www.manchesterphotography.com
www.cityco.com