Artists with learning difficulties showcase works

Gifted artists with and without learning difficulties have been given a unique series of showcases for their work.

The artists from Blackpool have been participating in the town's Grundy Art Gallery pARTnership where they attended artist-led weekly workshops focussing on sharing skills, ideas the development of new work.

Now in its seventh year pARTnership artists have exhibited their work locally, nationally and internationally.

This year three painters also sold works to private collectors at The Manchester Contemporary Art Fair last month as part of the ongoing creative and professional development scheme.

Gallery curator, Paulette Brien, said this year's season "celebrates the true creativity, passion and ambition of the brilliant artists on our doorstep".

She added: "From intimate personal stories to large-scale public artworks, the pARTnership artists continue to inspire us with their originality and dedication.

"Their success at Manchester Contemporary is a testament to the power of inclusive, artist-led learning and a vibrant cultural community we are proud to support."

Artist Dawn Ward, whose work DAWN and TONY is currently on the Grundy Forecourt Gallery, said how "happy and excited" she was to receive her first solo exhibition and that people will get to see her work and find out about pARTnership which she "loves".

Her work draws on the language of romantic love and matrimony and is inspired by her relationship with fellow artist, Tony Holmes, who died in 2024.

"I feel my work keeps connected to Tony, and feel connected to all of my work, I am proud of my hard work and what I have created," she said.

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams also said of Grundy's pARTnership programme: "This pioneering project is a shining example of how creativity can bring people together, build confidence and open doors to new opportunities.

"Seeing Blackpool artists achieve such success at Manchester Contemporary is something we can all be proud of, and it highlights the incredible talent we have in our town."

Grunday's programme including DAWN and TONY runs until 20 December.

Other elements of the programme are The Art About Town trail also on display as 14 large posters on tram stops and bus stops and After the Archive a multi-disciplinary exhibition at the gallery of archive image inspired, painting, collage, video, installation, photography and sculpture from emerging artistic voices from Barrow and Blackpool.

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