Oldham wildlife artist Anne Bardsley has been named a Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026/27 Cultural Ambassador, as her solo exhibition Wild Lives continues at Gallery Oldham.
Anne was nominated by Gallery Oldham as part of the Rising Up Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme, which is celebrating the creativity, culture and communities that make Oldham unique throughout the borough's year as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture.
The appointment comes as Anne's Wild Lives exhibition continues in Gallery One at Gallery Oldham, following a successful opening attended by local art lovers, fellow artists, members of the Friends of Gallery Oldham and representatives of Oldham Community Radio.
The exhibition brings together colourful acrylic, oil and mixed-media paintings inspired by Anne's encounters with animals at conservation-focused zoos and wildlife parks across the UK.
Rather than simply capturing how animals look, Anne focuses on their personalities and individual character, from curious expressions and playful moments to the cheeky behaviours that make each animal unique.
Many of the species featured in Wild Lives are endangered, bringing a conservation message to the exhibition alongside the humour, personality and character in Anne's work.
Anne said: “Being named a Greater Manchester Town of Culture Cultural Ambassador is a real honour, especially during such an exciting year for Oldham. I love being part of this creative community and supporting other artists, and I'm looking forward to celebrating the people and organisations that make Oldham such a welcoming and inspiring place.”
Anne is already actively involved in Oldham's creative community. She is Vice Chair of The Friends of Gallery Oldham and is the lead organiser of the GO! Artists Oldham Art Fair, which supports local artists and provides a platform for them to sell their work in Oldham.
Alongside her full-time art practice, Anne also volunteers with her partner to run Board About Town at Royton Library, a community board-game group created to bring people together and encourage people to discover a new hobby.
Anne has exhibited across the UK through solo and group exhibitions, and her work is also stocked in the Gallery Oldham shop. As a Cultural Ambassador, Anne will be part of the wider celebration of Oldham's year as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture, helping to celebrate the borough's artists, communities and cultural activity.
Wild Lives opened at Gallery Oldham on Saturday 5th September and continues in Gallery One until 7th November 2026.
Visitors can explore Anne's wildlife paintings, discover the stories behind the work and learn more about the endangered species featured throughout the exhibition. Anne will also be at the gallery for a couple of hours every Tuesday during the exhibition.
Visitors who would particularly like to meet her can email in advance and she will do her best to be there.
