Gifted Exhibition opens at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery

The Gifted Exhibition is now open at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery and will run until 3rd May, offering visitors a heartwarming celebration of community, creativity and connection.

Launched on Saturday 22nd March, the exhibition has already welcomed over 100 visitors and received glowing feedback. Among the guests was the Lady Mayor, Cllr Suzanne Wyatt, who praised the exhibition for highlighting the power of art in fostering “understanding of each other.”

The exhibition is the result of a year-long project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Stockport College. It brought together students, older ‘Age Well’ participants, and members of Yaran North West CIC through a series of creative workshops themed around “What has Stockport gifted us?”

The project offered valuable work experience for eight Level 3 Art & Design students, who supported weekly sessions over 15 weeks. They helped participants learn new techniques like hand casting, managed workshop materials, and developed key collaborative skills.

Two degree students also contributed through live project briefs—one in graphic design, who developed the exhibition branding and printed materials, and one in photography, who captured images for the exhibition book and event documentation.

For participants, the project was a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others. Many spoke of improved wellbeing, a renewed sense of purpose, and several are now considering further courses at Stockport College.

Anita, from the Age Well group, said: “I really enjoyed working with the students. I don’t usually get a chance to chat to people of that age.”

Each participant received a printed exhibition book as a keepsake. One, visibly moved, said: “It nearly made me cry being given this beautiful book. I will always treasure it.”

Significantly, 89 of the 102 launch day visitors were new to the gallery, showing the exhibition’s success in bringing fresh audiences into the space and demonstrating the role of the arts in community engagement.

The Gifted project was led by Stockport College graduate Susanna Vosper and follows on from the 2024 Stockport Mile Sculpture Trail. The exhibition features work from the original trail, new collaborative pieces, and alumni contributions—showcasing how creativity can bring people together across generations and backgrounds.