A celebration of African beauty, grace, resilience and strength. The artist states that this piece is inspired by her Kenyan heritage, representing the growth and peace attained on Prayer Day, when a son or daughter has the opportunity to pursue further studies abroad, and their family and church show support and respect by holding a day of prayers before the journey.

Art & Soul is a weekly meet-up which has been running for over twenty years to support the health and wellbeing of local artists who experience challenges with their mental health. Comments by two artists: “Art & Soul is wonderful, we meet and find friendship and fun; support on dark days when we are struggling with our mental health.” Also, “I find Art & Soul fantastic because it’s reconnected me with my art and other like-minded people.”

The artist states that this piece depicts two females who appear different yet symbolise the multifaceted nature within each of us, examining the taming of the ego and use of the will to create positive change. Through art she explores social justice, syncretism, and feminism, in a playful, striking style using animal archetypes to visually express daily challenges and make them simpler to process.

A celebration of joy and new beginnings - spring, sunshine and flowers.

The artist began making art during lockdown to soothe anxiety and entertain herself and states that the unique style is developed by doodling things that she loves and expanding from there.

The artist states that this abstracted, bright, vector graphic artwork is a representation of clouds designed to contrast with our perception of bad weather, encouraging us to adjust our judgements, see everyday things a little differently and lift our spirits.

Inspiring positive behaviour and change, and nurturing a sense of community and solidarity is the aim of this piece. The artist creates socially engaged, political, vibrant, digital, text based work to encourage people to reflect, use their critical thinking skills, share and discuss.

A multidisciplinary artist based in Heywood, proud of her diverse British-Malawian identity who is interested in both the built and natural environment locally, and the stories that buildings and people tell. This piece celebrates Heywood’s Industrial Heritage, honouring the mills and those who worked in them, using vibrant colours for a tapestry-like effect.

The photographer documented people, including her nana, attending a regular Bingo game at St. James Church Hall, commemorating Heywood’s elderly community spirit and illustrating the importance of enjoying the finer things in life while we’re here - friends, a cuppa and Bingo! The photographs are published in a book by Pendle Press.

Preferring to create without a plan, the artist has an intuitive approach, guided by colour, shape and texture, focusing on their favoured subject of landscape and flowers and incorporating techniques of painting, drawing and collage.

Informed by training and experience in architecture, regeneration, heritage, community engagement and research, the artist aims to celebrate Heywood, reimagining it for locals and visitors in this image of people gathered in a park.