Over 250 pieces have been submitted for the Oldham Open, now open across the two main gallery spaces at Gallery Oldham.

The exhibition is held every two years. In 2026, as part of Oldham's year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture, it is bigger than ever before.

This free exhibition, which is now open, features the work of people living, studying or working in the borough. It includes drawing, painting and photography alongside ceramics, jewellery, hat making and patchwork.

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. Some of the work is also for sale.

Artists include Janis Bowie, whose two works on display 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 is also included. He said: "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 will announce 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 to 5pm.