About the exhibition

We're celebrating the creative community in our highly anticipated Open Exhibition 2026. This is taking place from Sunday 21 June to Thursday 27 August 2026.

Artists were invited to submit a piece of work that they're particularly proud of. Our aim is to showcase the creative talent from Stockport and the surrounding areas by displaying work from:

  • visual artists
  • sculptors
  • photographers
  • textile artists
  • digital designers
  • poets
  • jewellery makers
  • crafters

The artwork is displayed in the:

  • Upper Gallery
  • East and West Galleries
  • Artlink

You can visit the exhibition anytime within our opening hours.

Artwork submissions are now closed.

People’s Choice Awards

The People's Choice Awards will be Saturday 15 August 2026, 2pm to 4pm. Prize giving at 3pm by the Mayor of Stockport.

Artists: collecting your artwork

Once the exhibition is over, we request that your artwork is collected as soon as possible during opening hours:

  • Thursday and Friday, 1pm to 5pm
  • Saturday, 10am to 5pm
  • Sunday, 11am to 4pm

Gallery staff have the right to refuse to return unsold artwork unless provided with legitimate proof of ownership, i.e. receipt of submission. Please do not be offended if you are asked for personal ID if you do not have your receipt with you on collection of your artwork.

Artists unable to collect their work at the given dates and times should contact the gallery team on 0161 474 4453 as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements.

Any uncollected artwork remaining at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery after Sunday 20 September 2026 will be disposed of by the gallery in any way it chooses.