Students from Stockport College will showcase their artistic talents in the highly anticipated ‘Gifted’ Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of creativity and community in the heart of Stockport.
Opening at the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery on 22nd March 2025, the exhibition is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and presents a collection of community-led artwork that highlights Stockport’s rich cultural, historical, and social contributions.
‘Gifted’ is the culmination of a year-long programme of arts workshops that brought together intergenerational groups, including clients from Yaran North West CIC, older Age Well participants from the Arts Recovery Centre, and students from Stockport College. Together, they explored the question, “What has Stockport gifted us?” through sculptural and textile art.
Led by Stockport College art graduate Susanna Vosper, the project builds on the success of the 2024 ‘Stockport Mile Gifted Sculpture Trail,’ part of Stockport’s Town of Culture celebrations. The trail showcased students’ interpretations of Stockport’s gifts, from its natural beauty and historical significance to its focus on well-being and local innovation.
The 2025 exhibition will feature a selection of sculptures from the original trail, alongside newly created works from the community, contributions from alumni reflecting their artistic journeys, and an interactive component designed to engage a wider audience.
“’Gifted’ embodies everything Stockport College stands for: creativity, collaboration, and community. This exhibition showcases not only the immense talent of our students but also the power of art to bridge generations and bring people together. It’s a testament to the strength and spirit of Stockport’s community,” said Susanna.
Participants explored their personal connections to Stockport through a range of artistic techniques, including sculpting, casting, ceramics, textiles, and storytelling. These workshops provided Stockport College students with invaluable experience in project facilitation, marketing, and curation, equipping them with essential skills for future careers in the arts.
One participant, Sara Tavakoli, shared her experience: “I really enjoyed experiencing this project, it was wonderful. I talk a lot to my mother, and I was telling her I was involved in a beautiful project which was making people connect to each other.
“They provided equipment to teach us different styles of art and gave us the opportunity to express ourselves. I think it’s very good for integration as there is soul behind every piece of art and souls go beyond language and differences.
“The project is food for the people of Stockport too. The project connects us and makes us part of the community and they see we are not very different people; we care about the same things. It enables the whole society to grow together.”
“The ‘Gifted’ project is a unique celebration of Stockport’s identity, told through the hands and hearts of its people. From alumni to community members, this exhibition is a vibrant patchwork of perspectives, highlighting what makes Stockport truly special,” added Susanna.
The legacy of ‘Gifted’ extends beyond the exhibition, fostering lasting relationships within the artistic community and inspiring new voices to engage with the arts.
Join us in celebrating the creative spirit of our students and the wider Stockport community as we explore the many ‘gifts’ this remarkable town has to offer.
