Five Valleys Gallery is celebrating six months since opening, with more than 60 artists now represented and a second unit being added within the Home of Vintage area of the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud.
The artist-run cooperative was created to provide an accessible, professionally presented space for artists, while keeping costs as low as possible. It brings together artists from Stroud and the Five Valleys alongside artists from further afield, with work spanning painting, drawing, prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, collage, textiles and cards.
“When we started Five Valleys Gallery, the aim was to create a professional space where artists could come together, support one another and reach a wider audience. The cooperative model was about making that opportunity as accessible as possible.” — Chris James, founder
Six months on, the gallery has grown into a diverse creative space, with more than 60 artists represented. The second unit will provide room to welcome more artists and display a wider range of work, following an encouraging response from both artists and the local community.
“There is an enormous amount of artistic talent in Stroud and the Five Valleys, and we wanted to create a space where more of those artists could be seen. The response from artists and the public has been incredibly encouraging.” — Tania Fullerton, Head of Marketing and PR
The gallery’s cooperative structure means artists share the running of the space and contribute to creating a lively, changing exhibition. The expansion marks a significant step for a project that began with the aim of making contemporary art more visible and accessible within the shopping centre.
“To have more than 60 artists involved after only six months, and now to be expanding into a second unit, feels like a real milestone. For us, success is about supporting artists and creating a gallery that people enjoy visiting.” — Tania Fullerton, Head of Marketing and PR
Five Valleys Gallery opened in February 2026 and has quickly become part of Stroud’s independent creative scene. Applications from artists interested in joining the cooperative are welcome.
