Bold statement: inclusive art can transform a town—and Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery proves it, showcasing the creativity and ambition of artists with and without learning difficulties alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: does “inclusive” mean watered-down access, or does it unleash genuine, boundary-pushing work? This piece explores how a unique program is expanding opportunities and inspiring audiences.
For seven years, the pARTnership initiative at the Grundy Art Gallery has offered artist-led, weekly workshops that emphasize sharing skills, swapping ideas, and developing new projects. Located in Blackpool, the program brings together local artists with learning difficulties and their peers to collaborate, learn, and grow professionally. The ongoing series has resulted in exhibitions at local, national, and international stages, underscoring the potential of inclusive, learner-led creative activity.
In a notable 2023 development, three pARTnership painters sold works to private collectors at The Manchester Contemporary Art Fair, highlighting tangible professional progress alongside artistic development.
Gallery curator Paulette Brien described this season as a celebration of true creativity, passion, and ambition from artists right on Blackpool’s doorstep. She noted that the range spans from intimate, personal narratives to large-scale public artworks, with the artists consistently delivering originality and sustained dedication. She also highlighted that the Manchester Contemporary sales illustrate the power of inclusive, artist-led learning within a vibrant cultural community that the gallery is proud to support.
Artist Dawn Ward, whose piece titled DAWN and TONY is displayed on the Grundy Forecourt Gallery, expressed joy at her first solo exhibition and enthusiasm for audiences to learn about pARTnership. Ward’s work references romantic love and marriage and is inspired by her relationship with fellow artist Tony Holmes, who passed away in 2024. She explained that her art keeps a connection to Tony and to her wider body of work, and she takes pride in the effort and outcomes of her practice.
Lynn Williams, Blackpool Council leader, praised Grundy’s pARTnership as a pioneering project that shows how creativity can unite people, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. Celebrating local artists’ success at Manchester Contemporary, she emphasized the town’s remarkable talent and potential.
The current iteration of the Grundy pARTnership includes DAWN and TONY, which runs through December 20. Additional program elements include The Art About Town trail, featuring fourteen large posters displayed at tram and bus stops, and After the Archive—a multidisciplinary exhibition at the gallery. This exhibit blends archive imagery with painting, collage, video, installation, photography, and sculpture from emerging artists in Barrow and Blackpool.
Related coverage continues to spotlight how inclusive, collaborative artistry can elevate a community and broaden public engagement with contemporary art.
Would you agree that inclusive, artist-led programs like pARTnership can reshape local art scenes, or do they risk diluting artistic standards? Share your perspective in the comments.
