Thirteen local artists, schools, charities and community groups have been chosen to bring their ideas to life during Oldham’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
From theatre, film and music to a new mural and giant fuzzy felt artwork, the projects cover a wide range of art forms and celebrate Oldham’s people, places and stories.
Oldham secured the Town of Culture title with its programme, Rising Up. Earlier this year, local creatives were invited to apply for a Town of Culture micro-commission. There were 84 applications, with 13 projects chosen to receive funding.
Some of the successful artists and groups recently came together to mark the start of the programme. Not everyone was able to attend, but all 13 projects will play an important part in Oldham’s Town of Culture year.
A huge Oldham welcome to:
Sew Oldham – Isobel Pickup and Fay Buchanan
The Oldham Panorama, a famous view of the town created in 1876, is 150 years old this year. Isobel and Fay will reimagine it for today using patchwork and running-stitch embroidery.
Local people will be invited to add buildings and places that are important to them, using old clothes and fabric from home.
A New Mural for Oldham – Deggy Art
Deggy taught himself how to spray-paint during lockdown, starting with a painting of Joe Exotic. It snowballed from there and his murals can now be seen across Greater Manchester and Derbyshire.
He will create a new mural on Oldham’s high street; the subject is a secret for now. We can’t wait to see it!
Rising Faces – New Bridge School SEND
Students at New Bridge School in Hollinwood will create their own faces from clay before decorating them with colour, ribbons and other materials.
The faces will be brought together in an exhibition celebrating the students’ different personalities, backgrounds and creativity.
The Sounds of Oldham – Calvin Thomas
Film and video game composer Calvin Thomas will show how sound and music can tell Oldham’s story.
He will visit communities to record people’s memories and familiar sounds, from trams and traffic to busy public spaces. These recordings will be turned into a piece of music and a walk-in audio experience.
240 Years of Tommyfield – OL1 Oldham
This project will work with local historian Dr Deb Woodman to explore the history of Tommyfield Market and the part it has played in Oldham life.
People will be invited to share their stories and memories of the former market hall, with the finished work displayed in the new market hall.
BanglaFest – Niparun Nessa
BanglaFest will celebrate Bengali art, culture and heritage while bringing Oldham’s growing Bengali community together.
Local people will help create artwork and performances through community workshops. The project will lead to a one-day festival planned for March, featuring live entertainment, stalls, art and photography.
Oldham Rising: Stories of Belonging – Eric Steele and Hack Oldham
Hack Oldham will film interviews with a wide range of people from across the borough.
Residents will share their memories, family histories, traditions and hopes for the future, creating a snapshot of Oldham and the people who call it home.
Held in Place – Jennifer Reid
Poet and performer Jennifer Reid, supported by Jade Lord, will work with community groups on a creative writing project exploring the experiences of South Asian women in Oldham.
The workshops will look at place, memory, identity and voice, giving women the chance to write about their own lives and experiences.
Obumu – Audrey Murphy and Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN)
SAWN is a Chadderton-based charity supporting women from diverse communities, including African women seeking asylum and women living with trauma or physical and mental health difficulties.
Its Sisters of the Yam choir is about much more than singing. It has helped members build confidence, friendships and a sense of sisterhood. The choir will now perform surprise pop-up shows across Oldham, singing in different languages and sharing a message of humanity, kindness and fun.
Warm Fuzzy Feels in Oldham – Oldham Play Action Group
Children and families will create a giant fuzzy felt picture of Oldham.
They will choose local landmarks and create fuzzy felt versions of themselves to add to the scene, placing local people at the heart of the action. The finished artwork will be shown at different locations across the borough.
Bus Ride to Boom Town – Lisa Whiteside and ACT on Oldham
Lisa is an Oldhamer from Chadderton and is married to a Latics fan. Her new play was inspired by local people seeking asylum and follows a young boy who arrives in Oldham with one bus ticket.
The play takes him on a whistle-stop tour of what it means to live in Oldham. Young people will help write and perform it, taking theatre to people who may not usually see a play.
The Secret Suitcases: Eight Wondrous Oldham Worlds – Phantasmagoria CIC
Greenfield-based Phantasmagoria will create eight mysterious suitcases. Each one will open to reveal a tiny world made from recycled materials and inspired by a different part of Oldham.
The suitcases will be placed at locations across the town centre, creating a family trail where people can discover Oldham’s lost worlds.
Rising Together – Indian Association Oldham and Saheli Women’s Group
Music, dance, storytelling, food and family activities will celebrate Indian culture and bring communities together.
The programme will include creative workshops, cultural celebrations, arts and crafts, rangoli and the creation of a giant Ganesh artwork. It will end with a showcase featuring local residents, groups and performers.
The projects will appear at different venues and events across the borough during Oldham’s Town of Culture year. To find out what is coming up, visit whatson.oldham.gov.uk.