What's On in the Arts We all need things to look forward to as we strive to create a new normal in our uncertain world. Creativity and culture can have a particular role to play in making us individually and collectively develop resilience to the challenges we face and may face in the future, in building the identity and prosperity of our town, in creating stronger communities, and inspiring change. Engaging with creativity and culture also can allow us to reflect and comment on society, to better understand our own lives and those of others.
Steve Cooke Arts Columnist
Everyone can be creative, and each of us has the potential to develop our creativity further. Taking part in creative acts such as painting, singing, photography or writing delights and fulfils us, and helps us to think, experiment, and better understand the world. In our borough there are many opportunities for both: to be creative, and to experience high-quality culture. Museums play an essential role in helping us understand and shape culture. They connect us to the past and encourage us to think about the future. The Rochdale Pioneers Museum will be celebrating the 177th anniversary of the opening of The Rochdale Pioneers Store on Toad Lane on Tuesday 21st December from 2pm. To celebrate, the museum will be running an animal handling Christmas adventure in the learning loft (by Zoolab). This adventure is about 'Zola the Christmas Elf' and is all about a Rat who, with the help of their animal friends, saves Christmas. Booking required. They will also be serving Pioneers Soup and the museum will host several craft stalls. Visit: www.co-operativeheritage.coop
In the new year, we can look forward to The Football Art Prize, 12th March 2022 – 26th June 2022 in Gallery Three & Four. To coincide with 2022 World cup year Touchstones Rochdale, with generous support from Arts Council England, have created The Football Art Prize to celebrate art and football. Visit: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk UK artist Luke Jerram's internationally renowned 'Gaia' installation will see a huge work of art depicting the Earth exhibited at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre from 20th November until 24th December. A specially made surround sound composition by British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award-winning composer Dan Jones will be played alongside the sculpture. Measuring 7 metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface, it will provide the opportunity to see the planet on a big scale, floating in 3 dimensions. The name 'Gaia' comes from Greek mythology, meaning the personification of the earth. The exhibition is being staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust (formerly Link4Life).
Fireground is the new and improved fire service museum for Greater Manchester, boasting unique features such as a purposebuilt library and archive, and an educational suite for young people. The museum in Maclure Road, [the site of the old fire station], Rochdale and is every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Visit: www.fireground.org.uk/visiting-museum Touchstones following the highly successful Grayson Perry extravaganza have new exhibitions on until 13th February 2022 Gallery Three Jasleen Kaur Gut Feelings meri jaan, and in Gallery Four Helen Cammock, Concrete Feathers and Porcelain Tacks. 36 | Rochdale Style
