Turnpike Creative Community is an open and inclusive group for young people aged 16 to 25 who would like to get involved in The Turnpike Gallery, take part in fun and free activities and learn about creative careers!
- Get involved in events and exhibitions
- Meet other like-minded people and take part in free creative activities
- Learn about different careers in the arts
- Visit artist's studios, exhibitions and more!
Here are some examples of what we have been up to recently:
- Co-curating the rehang of artworks in the Turnpike Gallery Drumcroon exhibition
- Hands-on printmaking, including Tetrapak and screenprinting
- Interviewing an artist at Wigan Museum
- Halloween jelli-plate printing
- Trip to Islington Mill artist studios
- Sketching session at Sea Life aquarium
- Photography walk along Leigh canal using macro and fish eye camera lenses.
Visit our Instagram page for the most recent updates (external link).
Take part in a new commission!
The Turnpike Gallery is looking to recruit 8 young people aged 16 to 25 living the borough of Wigan to take part in a 4 day behind‑the‑scenes creative project where you will help transform our gallery entrance into a magical, welcoming and inspiring starting point for ‘Make.Believe.’
We are inviting designs, ideas and imaginative concepts from young people who would like to give shape to this transformation. You don’t need to be a professional artist, just someone with imagination, enthusiasm, and a desire to help create something special.
If selected, you will be working alongside artist Jamie-Lee Wainman at the gallery on the following dates:
- Tuesday 7th April, 3pm to 6pm
- Thursday 9th April, 3pm to 6pm
- Tuesday 14th April, 3pm to 8pm
- Thursday 16th April, 3pm to 8pm.
The programme is free to attend and is a great opportunity to gain experience of a public commission.
Apply by 26th March 2026.
View the full details about the Make. Believe. Creative Community call out comission.
We asked Jamie to introduce herself:
"Hello! My name is Jamie and I am a creative practitioner based at Islington Mill in Salford. My work is focused on using play and creativity as a tool for learning, and making learning accessible to people with different learning styles. I am both neurodivergent and disabled, and I love sharing my passion for 3D printing, sustainability, and the arts as a tool for well-being with others. I’m excited to be leading the Youth Collective at the Turnpike Gallery, I can’t wait to learn new skills from the attendees and help foster a community in Leigh for like-minded creatives."
Visit the Wainman Design website (external link) to learn more about Jamie's practice.
If you are interested in coming along, reach out to our lead facilitator Jamie-Lee Wainman for a chat to ask any questions you may have: wainmandesigncontact@gmail.com.