The Oldham Open is back to put local artists in the frame — and it's bigger than ever

Once again, talented artists are showcasing their work at the hugely popular exhibition.

The Oldham Open is held every two years and in 2026, as part of Oldham’s year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture, it is bigger than ever before. 

Over 250 pieces have been submitted, and artworks are displayed across the two main gallery spaces at Gallery Oldham. These range from drawing, painting and photography to ceramics, jewellery, hat making and patchwork. 

The free exhibition, which is now open, features the work of people living, studying or working in the borough and some artists have focused on Oldham landmarks including views of Delph, Dove Stone reservoir and Daisy Nook. 

Visitors can vote for their favourite piece, which will win the People’s Prize, and some of the work is also for sale so it's an ideal opportunity to pick up an early Christmas present for an art lover. 

Artists include Janis Bowie, whose subject matter varies from landscapes to scenes involving everyday life depicting people and textile mill interiors. Her two works on display in the Oldham Open 2026 are entitled Removing Roving Spools and Working in the Mill. 

She said: “My fascination with mill interiors started because many local mills were closing down and I wanted to preserve the memory of this once important industry."

Textile work by Ellicott Wilcox also features in the exhibition. He explained: "I’ve been living in the borough since 2010 and this is my fifth Oldham Open. I’ve been doing things with textiles on and off since 2000 and have been quilting since 2015. This year I have submitted a piece entitled Rooster Vortex." 

Thanks to fundraising by The Friends of Gallery Oldham, Cliff Murphy’s painting The Coliseum was added to Gallery Oldham’s permanent collection in 2024. The Friends are keen to repeat this again and will be announcing their selected painting once the exhibition is open. 

Head of Heritage, Libraries and Arts, Subnum Hariff-Khan, said: “The Oldham Open is a great stage for people from all walks of life to display their work. This year we are hosting the exhibition over both Gallery Two and Three, allowing more artwork than ever to be shown.” 

The exhibition runs at Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, until Saturday November 14. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm.