WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP INSPIRES ART EXHIBITION IN TEDDINGTON
Although Touchlines of Fortitude has been partly inspired by the current Women’s Rugby World Cup, it will take a much broader look at female strength in all its forms, and the many ways in which women rise, persist, endure and transform.
Touchlines of Fortitude will open featuring works by three local artists – Agnieszka Lokaj, Gina DeCagna and Tahira Mandarino – followed by a group exhibition of works sourced through an open-call, judged by a panel including Touchlines of Fortitude curator Agnieszka Lokaj, art critic & curator Tabish Khan, figurative artist Karen Turner, and The Beach gallery owner Mark Vellacott.
The Touchlines of Fortitude exhibition will also include an interactive ‘Wall Of Fortitude’ where visitors can share their own stories and experiences of female strength and fortitude, as well as a writing workshop (Sat 13 Sep), a public talk on ‘Building Resilience’ (Wed 17 Sep) and awards for the best painting, photo and sculpture from the open-call (Sun 28 Sep).
A spokesperson said: “The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to harness national attention around female participation, resilience, and representation. Running throughout September 2025, Touchlines of Fortitude will align with this global event, and extend its legacy beyond the pitch into local galleries, schools, and communities—inspiring the next generation of girls and women to push boundaries and share their stories.”
Find out full schedule at: fortitude-touchlines.com
TOUCHLINES OF FORTITUDE: EVENTS PROGRAMME
Date: 12 -21 September
Touchlines of Fortitude I exhibition ( 3 local artists: Gina DeCagna, Tahira Mandarino and Agnieszka Lokaj)
Private view: 11th September
The Beach Gallery, Teddington
Date: 12 Sep- 5 Oct
‘Wall Of Fortitude’ interactive installation
The Beach Gallery, Teddington
Date: Sat 13 Sep
‘Wall Of Fortitude’ writing workshop
Facilitator: Alison Kervin OBE
The Beach Gallery, Teddington
Date: Wed 17 Sep
‘Building Resilience’ public talk event
Join us (and some special guests) as we discuss what it takes to survive and thrive
Date: Wed 17 Sep, 6pm
Location: The Exchange, Twickenham
Host: Victoria Rush (“No Woman No Try” director)
Speakers: Alison Kervin OBE and artist Kate Howe
Date: 25 Sep- 5 Oct
Touchlines of Fortitude II group exhibition (open call)
Private view: 24th September
The Beach Gallery, Teddington
Curated by Agnieszka Lokaj
Date: 28 Sep
Touchlines of Fortitude II – Awards
The Beach Gallery, Teddington