At a time when Stockport is being transformed as part of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, a new photography exhibition at Stockroom is turning the focus to the people and creative communities behind the change.
Local/Connection brings together photographers from across Greater Manchester to explore place, collaboration and shared practice, offering a collective portrait of the connections that shape creative life in the region.
Running until 19 April, the exhibition is free to attend and invites the community to come together, celebrate creativity, and experience the collaborative energy that makes Stockport such a great place to live.
To celebrate the exhibition, there’s a programme of hands-on events and workshops where you can get involved, make, create and connect. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet other creatives or simply spend time exploring photography in different ways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Creative Network with Anne Nwakalor + Zine-Making Workshop
30 January, 5pm–8pm FREE
Artist talk with Anne Nwakalor of No! Wahala Magazine followed by a hands-on zine-making workshop. Turn your photography into a bold personal zine and connect with other creatives over food and music.
Print from 35mm Negatives in the darkroom
31 January, 10am–5pm – Merseyway Workshop – FREE – (£10 refundable deposit to secure booking).
Learn to create test strips and enlarge and print black-and-white photographs from 35mm film in this engaging workshop with photographer Ela Skorska.
Make a Camera Strap
7 February, 2.30–4pm – Merseyway Workshop – £7
A knotted camera strap workshop where you can learn simple macramé and knotting techniques to create a wrist strap for your camera.
Amoeba social
19 February & 19 March, from 5pm FREE
These informal socials are a place to meet, discuss and develop ideas collectively and individually. Amoeba is open to everybody and anybody at any point in their photographic journey.
Photography Walk
10 March
A guided photography walk – look out for more information, coming soon.
“Collaboration is at the heart of what makes Stockport such a vibrant place,” said Cllr Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member responsible for Culture at Stockport Council. “This exhibition celebrates the creativity, diversity, and community spirit that our town is known for, and it’s fantastic to see local talent coming together in such an inspiring way.”
Sandra Clare, Amoeba group member, commented ‘I walked into Stockroom feeling like a fraudster with a smart phone and I left feeling like a photographer.’
