People power: outdoor art gallery unveiled

Posted by on 22 May 2025

Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture has now seen the launch of a vibrant new public art display - the Town of Culture Outdoor Gallery. Located around the Station Gardens redevelopment on Drake Street, this striking open-air exhibition features 24 artworks selected following an open callout by Culture Co-Op earlier this year, alongside two specially commissioned poems celebrating creativity, a showcase of students work from Rochdale Sixth Form College and Hopwood Hall College.

Transforming construction hoardings near Rochdale railway station, the gallery brings bold, inspiring visuals to a key gateway into the town centre. It’s one of several eye-catching creative improvements to public space across Rochdale, with future highlights including ‘Common Walls’ an urban arts festival in September, other large-scale murals, and pop-up exhibitions in Rochdale Town Hall Square.

The outdoor gallery project has been delivered in partnership with Culture Co-op, Rochdale’s Creative People and Places organisation, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rochdale Borough Council.

Artworks were selected by a panel of Cultural Pioneers: comprising residents representing Rochdale’s diverse creative communities.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This gallery is more than just an art installation, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we put culture and community at the heart of regeneration. By giving local people a voice in the selection process and by showcasing home-grown talent I think we’re really showing how public art has the power to connect, inspire and transform.”

The gallery is open now, giving commuters, residents and visitors a new way to engage with Rochdale’s thriving cultural scene. Scan the QR code next to each artwork to learn about the inspiration behind it.

The outdoor gallery is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. Find out more at www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture and www.rochdalecreates.co.uk