About us

Everything you need to know about the map and how to use it. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch.

About the map project

Wigan & Leigh Art Map is a growing online directory celebrating the vibrant community of artists and arts organisations who live in or regularly contribute to the arts and culture of Wigan Borough.

The project is artist‑led and rooted in the local community. It was founded by Wigan‑based artist Liz Chapman, developed alongside creative producer Charlotte Yeung, and delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Arts (GM Arts) and Wigan Council, with support from GMCA Spirit funding. Elysia Day has recently joined us as our Communications and Social Media Assistant.

Two women with long hair, one with sunglasses on her head and the other wearing glasses stood in front of Shevington Library
Three cakes on a plate in front of sign that says 'Find out about the art map, have a chat & a brew, artists & arts orgs - get Added to the Map
A photo of a laptop screen in the foreground showing the Wigan & Leigh Art Map website map page, with blurred people sat in the background
A group of men and women sat at tables talking in a room
A screenshot of the online art map google map
A small table top banner and leaflets sat on a table with a group of men and women sat at tables talking in a room behind
Aims of the map project
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Support economic growth for the sector
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Make connections for artists and arts organisations
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Boost community pride in the arts
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Encourage participation and community engagement
The shape of wigan borough
Reclaim what it means to be a ‘local’ artist or arts organisation
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Digital inclusion for offline artists

Community Interest Statement

The Wigan & Leigh Art Map exists to celebrate, connect and strengthen the rich creative community across Wigan Borough. Our purpose is to make the area’s diverse artistic activity visible, accessible, and inclusive for residents, visitors and practitioners alike.

We recognise that creativity plays a vital role in community wellbeing, cultural identity, and local pride. By mapping artists, makers, venues, studios, and creative organisations, we create a shared platform that highlights the breadth of talent within Wigan Borough. This supports greater awareness of local opportunities, encourages public engagement with the arts, and fosters a sense of belonging through cultural participation.

The Art Map serves as both a practical resource and a community-building tool. It enables:

  • Access – helping people discover local artists and arts organisations in Wigan Borough.
  • Connection – linking artists and organisations to generate collaboration, peer support, and shared learning.
  • Visibility – amplifying underrepresented voices and grassroots creative activity within the borough.
  • Opportunity – supporting economic growth by promoting local creative practitioners and cultural tourism.

We are committed to inclusivity and representation, ensuring the map reflects the full diversity of Wigan and Leigh. Whether emerging or established, professional or community-led, all contributors have a place within this shared platform.

By strengthening networks and raising the profile of the local cultural ecosystem, the Wigan & Leigh Art Map contributes to a more vibrant, resilient and creative borough for everyone.

How do I view the map?

You can view the map on this website.

You can zoom in to see artists and arts organisations working in a particular area or open the menu on the left side to find a list of all artists and organisations in the Borough.

Where is the map hosted?

The map is currently hosted on Google Maps.

How is the information displayed on the map?
Arts Organisations
  • Exact location
  • Organisation name
  • Arts Organisation image
  • Description
  • Web or social media address
Artists
  • General area of home, or exact location for workplace or shared studio
  • Artist Type
  • Artist name
  • Artist image
  • Description
  • Web or social media address
Opportunities
  • Exhibition space available
  • Funding and other opportunities
  • Studio space available
  • Services available to support artists
  • Looking to collaborate
  • Social and networking opportunities
  • Training and development for artists
  • Equipment available for artists to borrow
How can I get added to the map?

You can request to be added to the map at any time, just fill in this form.

The current criteria to be included on the map is, artists who are over 18 years old and living or regularly working in Wigan Borough. Arts Organisations who are based in the borough, providing support and opportunities for Wigan borough based artists.

Is it free to use?

Yes, the art map is a resource for everyone.

To be added to the map, do I need to live in Wigan?

No, artists don’t need to live in Wigan but should regularly work in the area, have a connection to the borough and are able to provide a Wigan Borough postcode.

I’m an artist working from home, will you share my home address or postcode?

No, artist’s home address and postcode will not be shared on the map.

I need to update my map information

Just fill in the form again and let us know your are updating your details in the description box.

What if I want to be removed from the map?

Just fill in the form and enter the word ‘remove’ in the description box.