The future of high streets is explored in a new immersive online world of art

This Place [of Mine] was produced and designed during lockdown by FutureEverything and developed in collaboration with digital designers Studio Treble and 10 young artists, aged between 12 and 20 years, from a 'Young Producers' programme.

With branding by Jada Giwa, it acts as a virtual high street of artworks and is designed to take us on a journey to rediscover and celebrate Greater Manchester's high streets.

Set in a futuristic landscape that represents a "hopeful high street of tomorrow", the hub is populated by 3D artefacts, a series of questions and an exhibition of digital art presented through a variety of mediums, including audio-visual techniques, 3D models, technical drawings and more.

Those featured include Jacob Bolton, Izzy Bolt, Joe Whitmore, James Medd and David McFarlane, all of whom are working or living in Greater Manchester. Using a range of digital skills and creative techniques, each artist's work is inspired by conversations with the Young Producers, including a playful high street themed game, a hypertext narrative set in a parallel world and a virtual flag maker.

Spring will bring a brand new immersive app This Place [in Colour] created by Tine Bech Studio; the idea being that we will return once again to see how the platform has unfolded.

Irini Papadimitriou and Claire Tymom from FutureEverything say: "One thing that the current pandemic has made evident is that our public spaces, towns and high streets can and should be better, liveable places for all. There is now an urgent need to bring together diverse minds and fresh approaches to how we design, create space and interact with our environments and fellow citizens. Young, creative minds can help us see the future through a different lens, so this [platform] is a brilliant opportunity to offer them space to act, co-create, and share their vision."

To discover more, visit www.thisplaceofmine.org.