If lockdown gave you time to pursue that art project you'd always planned, Tameside Council wants to hear from you.

After the success of the online apArt exhibition earlier this year, Tameside Cultural Services are planning a follow-up event in October. This time, however, it will be staged at the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery in Stalybridge.

The great interest shown in apArt, which was launched to mark a year since the first lockdown began in March, 2020, demonstrated that the long periods spent at home due to Covid restrictions resulted in many people turning to art and other media as a release. In lots of cases it was for the first time.

Having displayed that pandemic-inspired creativity online, the council now wants to host a physical exhibition. In asking people to submit work for a second time it’s hoping for an even wider range of exhibits.

Your submission could be the result of a new skill you’ve learned, some photographs you’ve taken, an artwork you’ve made or a poem you’ve written. 

Whatever it is you created during the pandemic, the council wants to see it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner as it’s an open exhibition and all work is welcome.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for culture, said: “I’ve spoken many times of my fervent belief in the power of the arts to move, inspire and even heal us. Creativity has been a vital lifeline for many Tameside residents over the last 18 months, helping to relieve the pressure of the pandemic and all its associated restrictions. I’m sure there will be a great response and I look forward to seeing people’s creations.

“apART provided a unique and moving picture of the ways we’ve faced up to the challenges posed by the pandemic. 

“I’m sure the new exhibition at the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery will paint a portrait that is even more vivid.”

For more information about the exhibition and how to submit your work, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/apart/submissions.

To look at the apArt exhibition, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/apart.

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