Youngsters rock the art gallery

Young people from the Back Door Music Project launched their very own art exhibition in gallery one of Touchstones.

The Rockin’ Roots exhibition has been the culmination of 6 months work by the Back Door art group called, “Immediate Arts” made up of young people aged 13-21 years old from across the borough.

The group took its inspiration from 'The borough of Rochdale, its music and its people', and features young peoples perspectives on the town and it’s the rich musical heritage.

Mayor Councillor Keith Swift and Mayoress Sue Etchells officially opened the exhibition along with the artists and project volunteers. “I am extremely impressed with the quality and vibrancy of the paintings, we have a wealth of young talent in the borough and it is fantastic to see it on public display here at Touchstones” said Mayor Swift. “The Back Door Music Project is one of my charities this year and I’m proud to be associated with such an impressive project”.

At 13 years old, Madison Marcontanatos was the youngest contributor to the exhibition and said; “I can’t believe I would ever see my paintings on display in a professional gallery, it’s just great”

The exhibition features work by eight artists using mainly acrylic on canvas in a pop art style.

“As well as producing some great bands over the years, the town has also played host to some great recordings too.” said Jackie Stewart, the volunteer coordinator at the Back Door. ”The Beatles based some of their lyrics on the Hippodrome Circus in Rochdale and Joy Division and Tears for Fears both recorded at the Kenion Street studios.”

Commenting on the project, David Pugh, the museum officer at Link4Life added
“Following the blue plaque unveilings in 2009, there has been a lot of interest in the musical heritage of the borough and the group has since applied for a Young Roots grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We really want to help the Back Door explore the history of music in the area and celebrate its influence.”

Rockin’ Roots will run at Touchstones until 9 May 2010