Art exhibitions to celebrate the UN International Year of Co-operation

A free programme of art will be displayed at Rochdale Pioneers Museum year to celebrate 2025 as the UN designated International Year of Co-operation

The Co-operative Heritage Trust has launched the programme of exhibitions, created by local artists, to celebrate Rochdale’s co-operative heritage and international links.

Thirteen Rochdale based artists are involved in the programme from January to August. Each artist will display their piece(s) at Rochdale Pioneers Museum for a month, kicking off with a special launch day to celebrate their work.

This is a project is a collaboration between the Co-operative Heritage Trust and the Rochdale Borough Creative Network, as part of the borough-wide Rochdale Creates programme. It was made possible through The Cultural Development Fund supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.

Liz McIvor, trust manager, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to celebrate and fund local talent. The pieces really illustrate the breadth of artistic talent in the borough and, as we go into the UN International Year of Co-operation, will help us to promote Rochdale’s creative talent to international visitors.”

 

 

Maryanne Royle, one of the artists selected for the exhibition programme, said: “As an artist interested in sense of place, a lot of my work is inspired by Rochdale, my hometown, and I am looking forward to having a space to show it here. I applied to be involved in this project because I wanted to install my work in one of Rochdale's historic institutions which promotes pride and collaboration as Rochdale is seen on a global stage for the International Year of Cooperatives. A movement started by people from Rochdale, showing creative work made by artist from Rochdale.”

Visitors can already view pieces from students of Pinc Creative College, which offers an inspiring and impactful approach to education and pathways into employment for neurodivergent young people, aged 16-24 years.

 

 

The full programme:

Pinc Creative College
Pieces exploring co-operative symbols and imagery.
14 February - 5 April

Maryanne Royle
Sound work that explores Rochdale’s industrial heritage and landscapes.
8 March - 5 April

Will Setchell
Oil on canvas exploring timeless tradition of working-class co-operation and solidarity.
19 April - 17 May

Stacey Coughlin
“The Seven Cooperative Principles”
31 May - 28 June

Zinda Dil Art Group
Pieces inspired by the Illustrated Co-operative Almanacs published by the Co-operative Printing Society in the 1880s and 1890s.
12 July - 9 August

Abigail Black
“Lanky Town” and other photographic pieces championing working class archives, family ties and Rochdale.
23 August - 20 September

Alison Cooper
Printed poster, zine and sound composition which honours the co-operative nature of mycelium in our local eco systems.
23 August - 20 September

 

The museum is open Wednesday-Friday and alternative Saturdays, 10.30am - 4pm. Check with the museum for Saturday opening information.