From the annual open exhibition that showcases artwork made by residents from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast, to its annual schools’ exhibition that engages young people from local schools, the winter season at the Grundy is always an opportunity to shine a light on the creativity to be found on its doorstep.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council and Chair of Grundy’s steering group said: 

Open exhibition 2023

14 January to 25 March

With over 150 entries, 2023 is Grundy’s largest epen exhibition to date. An opportunity for all Blackpool and Fylde coast residents aged 16 years and above, this annual exhibition always presents an exciting mix of artworks that explore a wide range of themes, techniques and materials. With no selection process and no cost to submit work for display, the Grundy’s Open Exhibition strives to be as open an opportunity as possible.

Collection Spotlight: Blackpool

14 January to 25 March

Collection Spotlight is an ongoing series of exhibitions that focus on highlighting works from Grundy’s collection. Continuing its winter season focus on Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, two works that are linked by their connection to the area are on display. In Keith McGinn’s, The Sun Lounge, 1982, Blackpool’s promenade takes centre stage in this atmospheric painting that draws our eye out to the wild grey winter sea beyond. Shy Girl Beside the Seaside, Campground, 2021 by Fylde coast born and Blackpool based artist, Garth Gratrix, also makes use of the signs and symbols of the seaside in a work that investigates the coast from their perspective as a Queer artist.

Bringing artworks into the collection that explore Blackpool and the wider Fylde coast is central to Grundy’s collecting policy. Through these artworks existing stories about the area can be presented, challenged and seen from new perspectives and new stories about the place can be generated and told.

Annual School Exhibition: inside A Rainbow 

14 January to 25 March

This year’s Schools’ Exhibition includes work by 60+ children from St. John Vianney Primary School, Devonshire Primary Academy and Mereside Primary Academy.

Working with contemporary artist Fiona Grady, the pupils explored light, colour and movement to produce their own unique artworks using self-adhesive coloured vinyl and shaped acrylic panels. Hung together in one of Grundy’s main gallery spaces, these 60+ artworks generate a cascade of colourful moving shadows showing how magical effects can be created from the simplest of materials and techniques. The title for this year’s schools’ exhibition is inspired by one of the participating children who described the experience of seeing Fiona Grady’s exhibition, Illuminated from Within like being, “inside a rainbow”.

Forecourt Commission: Fiona Grady: Illuminated From Within 

14 January to 25 March

Born into a family of mathematicians Grady always employs a systematic approach to intervene within a space. Through her use of light, colour, shape, surface and scale, her colourful geometric artworks transform their setting and provide a unique response to the specifics of the place in which they are located. Activated by changes in the direction and intensity of daylight Grady’s work quietly marks the passing of time whilst also providing a dynamic contribution to Grundy’s 2023 winter exhibition and events programme.

Workshops/talks

Free. All materials provided: Booking required: 01253 478170

Fiona Grady: Suncatchers

Wednesday 16 February to Thursday 17 February,

10.30am to 12 midday

Back by popular demand, artist Fiona Grady will lead these workshops where participants have an opportunity to make their own colorful vinyl collages and use light to cast eye-catching shadows. Suitable for Ages 8 Years+. Children must be accompanied.

Artist Talk: Garth Gratrix: BSL Available

Saturday 18 February, 2.00pm to 3.30pm

Join the Grundy’s Collection Spotlight artist, Garth Gratrix, for an Artist Talk and Q&A exploring their work through their lens as a Queer artist.

Presented as part of the Grundy’s LGBT+ History Month activity.