The Didsbury Summer Open
The inaugural Didsbury Summer Open took place from 4-20 July 2025 at The Old Parsonage in Didsbury. The exhibition, run in partnership with Didsbury Good Neighbours, was a celebration of art from across Greater Manchester who were selected from an inclusive open call.
Presented by Didsbury Arts Festival, the exhibition was free to visit, fulfilling the charity’s remit to make the arts accessible to all.
Curated by artist-curator Nancy Collantine, the Didsbury Summer Open gave new and diverse artists a platform to exhibit and sell work.
Nancy Collantine has curated exhibitions and installations with the DIY platform, Dez Rez Projects and for two years ran Mura Ma gallery in Stockport. 'Pieces were considered according to a list of criteria, but above all else, it was the work that surprised or challenged us that made the final cut. Having work displayed in an exhibition is a fantastic experience for new and established artists alike. I know that getting work in front of an audience and seeing it curated in a show really helps to develop the artists’ practices.'
'It’s exciting to be a part of a show that celebrates what a vibrant, artistic centre this area of Greater Manchester is,' added Nancy. “I congratulate everyone who took the step to apply and those who made the final exhibition.”
Several art and writing classes also ran during the Didsbury Summer Open to raise funds for next year’s festival and the charity’s social inclusion work.
Flash stories writing class, 4th July 10am -12noon
