A new exhibition has been launched to celebrate housing regeneration in the borough through paintings, poetry, film, and more.
Titled ‘Your Home, Your Voice, Your Place: A Celebration of Community and Heritage’, the exhibition, on show at Gallery Oldham until Saturday, December 2, has documented the memories of the people living in four areas of Oldham.
A ten-year £113m Public Finance Initiative (PFI), has seen four areas across Oldham redeveloped: Crossley in Chadderton, Dew Way in Westwood Primrose Bank in Medlock Vale and Keswick Avenue in Fitton Hill.
Great Places Housing, which commissioned the exhibition, says it hopes to connect residents with those who lived in the areas before, and those who will live there in the future.
The exhibition is part of the ‘Gateways to Oldham’ project, which has also included refurbishing existing homes and the creation of two new community centres.
For the exhibition, residents shared experiences with oral historian Heather Roberts, who worked with artists Katie McKeever, Laura Jones, and Millie Sheppard to curate an archive of recordings, films, art, and crafts.
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Paintings, poetry, textiles, and film inspired by the themes ‘home’ and ‘memories’ are on display at the exhibition.
A book to follow up the exhibition is also planned, and oral histories will be stored as archives with Manchester Histories, and Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Commenting on the launch of the exhibition, chief executive of Manchester Histories Karen Shannon said: “‘Your Home, Your Voice, Your Place’ is a heartfelt celebration of community, home, and personal history.
“The exhibition brings together a remarkable collection of artwork and oral histories contributed by residents, visitors, and neighbours of Crossley, Dew Way, Fitton Hill, and Primrose Bank.
“‘Home,’ in this context, represents more than just a physical space. It embodies a profound sense of connection and belonging within Oldham's ever-evolving landscapes and communities.
“These personal stories offer a perspective often absent from formal history books, creating a vital legacy that will resonate with future generations, connecting them to their own heritage and that of others across Oldham.”
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The PFI was delivered by Inspiral Oldham Consortium, made up of Great Places Housing Group and Wates Living Space.
Ryan Smith, Head of Neighbourhoods for Great Places’ central region, added: “This is a landmark year for everyone involved with Gateways to Oldham, in particular the residents of the neighbourhoods who have seen and been an integral part of their transformation over the past ten years.
“We’re delighted with the exhibition, and we hope that it will provide a long-lasting reminder of the tenth anniversary for years to come and can be enjoyed by members of the local community.”
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