Call for Artists: Be Part of Rochdale Creates Outdoor Gallery

Posted by on 3 Feb 2025

Photo © Heywood Civic Outdoor Gallery 'Park' by William Lindley

Rochdale Creates is thrilled to invite artists to participate in an exciting new opportunity to have their work showcased in Rochdale Creates Outdoor Gallery, an outdoor art installation set to launch in April 2025. This innovative gallery will be displayed on the hoardings surrounding the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Station Gardens site, celebrating creativity and community spirit within Rochdale Borough.

A total of 15 artworks will be selected by a community panel and prominently displayed for over a year on the redevelopment site. Each chosen artist will receive a £350 commission fee, and their work will feature a QR code linking to their online profile, providing enhanced exposure and visibility for their creative practice.

Submissions are open to artists of all ages and disciplines with a connection to Rochdale Borough. Whether you live, work, have heritage ties to the area, or your artwork reflects Rochdale, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent in a high-profile location.

Artists may submit up to two pieces of artwork as digital files. These can include scans of drawings or paintings, photography, digital art, or well-photographed pieces such as ceramics, textiles, or sculptures.

Councillor Sue Smith, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Cooperation, commented “The Outdoor Gallery is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent we have here in Rochdale.  Not only will this initiative provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work, but it will also bring vibrancy and a sense of pride to Rochdale town centre during the exciting transformation of the area around the train station.”

Rochdale Creates Outdoor Gallery will serve as a creative centre piece as part of the ongoing transformation of the Station Gardens development.  In addition, within the station gateway area a £6 million public realm space is due to start on site later this year including an enhanced station square development with planning permission for 223 new homes.  This proposal is part of the wider rail strategy, which aims to regenerate brownfield sites around the boroughs five railway stations.

How to Submit:
For more information on how to submit your artwork, visit HERE. Submissions close Sunday 23rd February 2025.

About Rochdale Creates:
This project is delivered by Rochdale’s Culture Coop, in partnership with Rochdale Development Agency, as part of the borough-wide initiative Rochdale Creates, designed to empower and support local creatives through grant funding, training, and commissions.

Rochdale Creates Outdoor Gallery is funded by Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development Agency, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and DCMS’s Cultural Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England.