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Touchstones are working with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland on an exciting new project, building on their ARTIST ROOMS collections of contemporary and modern art to create a new type of exhibition, co-created with members of our community.

Together with artist Erica Matthews, Touchstones has formed an art group based in Middleton who will delve into Tate and National Gallery of Scotland’s ARTIST ROOMS collection and Touchstones’ own collections in order to curate a unique exhibition, inspired by their own experiences of viewing and making art. Throughout Touchstones’ closure for redevelopment, the group will meet fortnightly to research, discuss and develop an overarching narrative for the exhibition, choosing a story to tell and selecting pieces for inclusion.

When the building reopens in 2025, the final exhibition will form part of the opening programme, pioneering the spirit of co-curation which will come to define Touchstones in the years ahead.


Heritage Open Days

See artwork by the ARTIST ROOMS community group The Aloe Veras at the Edgar Wood Society’s Heritage Open Days, Saturday 7 – Sunday 15 September. See more below.


About ARTIST ROOMS

ARTIST ROOMS presents the work of more than 40 major international artists through a programme of solo exhibitions, reaching audiences across the UK. Established in 2008, this collection of modern and contemporary art is jointly owned by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate.

Through ARTIST ROOMS, important works of art can be seen by visitors across the United Kingdom. Since the touring programme began in 2009, almost 60 million people have visited more than 200 exhibitions at nearly 100 museums and galleries, from Penzance to the Hebrides, and from Belfast to Llandudno.

ARTIST ROOMS gives young people across the UK the chance to get involved in creative projects, discover more about art and artists, and learn new skills.

Find out more:

National Galleries of Scotland Tate

The ARTIST ROOMS national collection and programme is managed by in partnership by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland with the support of Art Fund, Henry Moor Foundation, and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Creative Scotland. Its founding collection was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish and British Governments.