Unique art shows of Blackpool artists with learning difficulties

Gallery curator, Paulette Brien, said this year’s season “celebrates the true creativity, passion and ambition of the brilliant artists on our doorstep”.

She added: “From intimate personal stories to large-scale public artworks, the pARTnership artists continue to inspire us with their originality and dedication.

“Their success at Manchester Contemporary is a testament to the power of inclusive, artist-led learning and a vibrant cultural community we are proud to support.”

Artist Dawn Ward, whose work DAWN and TONY is currently on the Grundy Forecourt Gallery, said how “happy and excited” she was to receive her first solo exhibition and that people will get to see her work and find out about pARTnership which she “loves”.

Her work draws on the language of romantic love and matrimony and is inspired by her relationship with fellow artist, Tony Holmes, who died in 2024.

“I feel my work keeps connected to Tony, and feel connected to all of my work, I am proud of my hard work and what I have created,” she said.