© Urbis.

'I Could Be Yours', says the wall of Urbis at the moment, in massive lettering. The huge banner is part of an international art competition, Diesel Wall 2008, which has come to Urbis in Manchester this year.

Running from April to September, the international art contest encourages entries from anyone harbouring a desire to have their creative talent splashed largely in their city. In Manchester - one of four cities around the globe chosen to participate this year - it will be across the glass façade of the Urbis building.

The Diesel Wall trailer artwork is emblazoned on the building, inviting entries to the competition until Sunday May 18 2008. Manchester’s own local winner will then be displayed in June.

© Urbis

Manchester joins Barcelona, New York and Zurich in the annual competition dedicated to offering young artists and designers the chance to showcase their work. However the competition is open to anyone - not only those living in the selected cities.

“Passion and creativity have always been key to Diesel’s philosophy," said Renzo Rosso, President and Founder of Diesel. "I especially love Diesel Wall as it literally allows anyone, anywhere to express their creativity on a giant urban space, with no restrictions or prejudices.”

© Urbis

Mancunian creative types have got the advantage, though, with this major advert for the competition staring them in the face.

Pollyanna Clayton Stamm, Urbis’ Head of Creative Programmes, said: “Manchester has a huge wealth of creative potential, some still as yet untapped, and the Diesel Wall project will give Manchester’s artists the chance for their talents to be rewarded with international recognition.”

Entries may include painting, photography, video, performance, light or sound works, text or even experimental 3D concepts. Entrants should bear in mind, though that, their works will be recreated using self-adhesive vinyl. Aside from that, they could be anything, from provocative to poetical, ornamental or wild.

Judges will include renowned graphic designer Peter Saville, acclaimed street art author Francesca Gavin, and i-D magazine founder Terry Jones, as well as representatives from Diesel and Urbis.

For more information and to enter, visit www.dieselwall.com.