The inaugural Didsbury Summer Open will end at The Old Parsonage in Didsbury this Sunday. The exhibition is a celebration of art by amateur and professionals from across Greater Manchester who were selected from an open call.

Presented by Didsbury Arts Festival, the exhibition is free to visit (no ticket needed), fulfilling the charity’s remit to make the arts accessible to all.

Curated by artist-curator Nancy Collantine, the Didsbury Summer Open gives new and established artists a platform to exhibit and sell work.

'In May, we held an open call and received over 200 entries from 97 artists,' explains Hannah Mahapatra, trustee of Didsbury Arts Festival. 'I was so impressed by the quality of work and the variety of mediums used. I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to submit something.'

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 Greater Manchester is,' adds Nancy. “I congratulate everyone who took the step to apply and those who made the final exhibition.”

Several art and writing classes have run during the Didsbury Summer Open to raise funds for next year’s festival and the charity’s social inclusion work.

Watercolour workshop with local contemporary artist Lelanie Slater, sponsored by Bromleys Art Supplies: 4th July, 1pm-4pm

Join this three-hour masterclass exploring techniques to capture changing landscapes and seascapes. Ideal for more experienced watercolourists.

Flash stories writing class, 4th July 10am -12noon

A chance to turn your ideas for a short story into prose, with expert writer Rachel Weld. This 2-hour workshop will introduce you to the techniques needed to write stories with impact.

Stretch and Sketch, 11th July, 1pm-3pm

Feel calm and energised as Emma and Caroline from Sketch and Stretch guide you through a summer inspired yoga practice, followed by mindful art practice. Beginners welcome.

Free activity for children, 4th-20th July

Explore the Parsonage grounds and sketch the things that inspire you. Your pictures will be curated by professional contemporary artist Nan Collantine and displayed at Didsbury Arts Festival 2026.

Details of all class/workshops here... 

Jeff Henriquez