A striking new outdoor art gallery has been installed in front of the recently refurbished Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall.
6 double-sided exhibition stands with built-in seating now form the appropriately named ‘Square Gallery’ providing space for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery as well as viewing 12 square panels that will host new exhibitions every few months, providing a high-profile platform for arts organisations, artists and community groups to exhibit their work.
‘A fantastic addition to the town centre’
To mark Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the Square Gallery’s first exhibition highlights what you can look forward to over the second half of the year as well as putting the spotlight on some of the major events and activities that have taken place so far, alongside poetry from the town’s poet laureate, a photo backdrop for sharing on social media and a cultural map of the town.
This new addition to Rochdale Town Hall Square follows the Town of Culture Outdoor Gallery unveiled in May on Drake Street that showcases the vibrant work of 30 local artists. The display includes poetry, photography, traditional and digital art. It also adds to the wide range of programmes and activities taking place on the square in recent months attracting over 20,000 visitors including the Feel Good Family Picnic, the Family Fun Day, Merhaba Halal Food Festival, Side-by-Side Festival, Street Eat food festival and the Flight of Fancy Parade.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“The Square Gallery is a fantastic addition to the town centre and with thousands of people walking past each week it brings art into the heart of the community, making it accessible and part of everyday life. With seating included it’s got a really practical use too and I encourage residents who would like to see their work featured to get in touch.”
Jen Cleary, north west director of Arts Council England said:
“We’re excited to welcome Square Gallery to Rochdale’s vibrant cultural offer. Supported by the Cultural Development Fund, it adds an extra dimension to the redeveloped town square - creating new opportunities for local artists and cultural organisations to exhibit their work, and for visitors to sit and enjoy the creative work on display. I’m sure that it will quickly become a well-used and loved part of the town.”
The Square Gallery in front of the town hall will provide a high-profile platform for arts organisations, artists and community groups to exhibit their work and will change every few months.
Future exhibitions at the Square Gallery will include a takeover by Rochdale Youth Arts Festival in March 2026 - the closing event of the town’s year in the cultural spotlight co-produced with the boroughs young people. The Square Gallery’s programme is curated by Rochdale Creates, which brings together arts organisations from across the borough.
This new gallery is part of a series of improvements across Rochdale Town Hall Square following new paving, landscaping, lighting and signage to improve the overall visitor experience. It is supported by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, administered by Arts Council England.
If you are interested in staging an exhibition at the Square Gallery, email admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk.
You will need to cover the costs for the printing and installation.
A striking new outdoor art gallery has been installed in front of the recently refurbished Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall.
The gallery is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. Find out more about Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture
Rochdale's Cultural Development Fund project is managed by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.