BLOG: The Cut-Through Mural: Painted by the People

23 January 2026

Welcome to The Cut-Through Mural, a vibrant celebration of the NOMA community through the eyes of local artists. Located in the heart of the neighbourhood, this ever-evolving mural transforms a simple walkway into a living canvas that tells the story of the people who live, work, and socialise in NOMA.

We believe art has the power to connect us and to tell stories. That’s why this mural exists, to celebrate NOMA’s unique identity through the voices of local creatives. It’s not just about what’s painted on the wall, it’s about the community behind it.

The current artwork was created by local artist Mr Gordo, known for his quirky and imaginative style. Drawing inspiration from the characters in the Genesis album A Trick of the Tail, Mr Gordo has reimagined the people of NOMA as life-sized (ish) figures full of charm and character. Each one is a reflection of the neighbourhood, maybe even of you.

This mural is part of an ongoing series, with each installation capturing a different side of Manchester’s creativity and spirit.

Previous artworks have included:

Don’t know why I love you you like I do

Designed by the talented duo at mikesian.studio, this piece drew on lyrics from Talking Heads’ cover of Take Me to the River by Al Green. The words spoke to Mikesian’s deep-rooted connection with their home city of Manchester, and the mural became a symbol of belonging at the heart of NOMA.

The Waiting Place

Created in collaboration with oskarwitha.k and the people of Manchester, this winter installation invited individuals to share what they were waiting for. Over 600 incredible responses were collected, and the mural brought those voices together into a collective portrait of a city in conversation.

Visit the mural

Are you a local artist with a story to tell?

We’d love for you to be the next Cut-Through Mural artist. Get in touch with us and become part of this ongoing celebration of creativity in NOMA.

Get in touch