McGuinness Gallery
Policy Statement
To provide a centre for artistic activity in the region through the provision of a varied programme of quality exhibitions related to all aspects of the visual arts, for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area; and to enhance the image of Durham County to outside agencies.
In addition, the gallery aims to establish a reputation as a secure venue for quality exhibitions of particular interest to the residents and visitors to Bishop Auckland.
The exhibitions will be of local and national interest and will be borrowed or hired from artists, collectors, public and private collections and touring agencies. These will be displayed in a modern facility.
A parallel programme of arts activities and workshops will be organised to make the exhibitions more accessible to members of the public, to provide opportunities for educational and cultural development and to broaden Bishop Auckland Town Hall's appeal to a wider audience.
Exhibitions at Bishop Auckland Town Hall are programmed to run for 3 weeks at a time. The Town Hall encourages a wide diversity of styles and exhibitions ranging from "Cathedral Interiors" by Gloria Parkin which celebrated the 900th birthday of Durham Cathedral to work by local artist and ex-miner Tom McGuinness.
The Gallery provides artists with an excellent space in which to display their work. Each exhibition is launched in the best possible way utilising our outstanding in-house caterers.