Award-winning Salford based arts company Art with Heart launches a brand new podcast on 21 April; four episodes and a series of mini episodes recorded with different communities and local artists across Salford to celebrate 100 years since Salford was officially granted city status.
From men’s mental health group Talk About It Mate to a youth club at CommUNITY Little Hulton to the Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett – the podcast was produced by local production company Reform Radio and interviews Salfordians about their hopes for the future of Salford. Interviewing Salfordians at local festivals and fairs, in schools, libraries, foodbanks, bars and community centres across the city, the podcast captures a unique audio archive for future generations to enjoy.
Over five weeks, local writers and artists including Louis Glazzard, Jae Bradley, Izzy Coward, Ben Mellor, Jody Findley and Matt Concannon worked with community groups and residents to create brand new poems about what Salford means to them. The podcast offers a unique and intimate look at the people that make up Salford as it marks its 100th year.
Mike Richard, founder of Talk About it Mate, said: “I’m really glad that we were approached to be featured, as many of our men often feel invisible, so to highlight them in this way is brilliant. The men got so much out of the Salford Voices project, and I’ve noticed a real boost in confidence and connection among them since.
“Art with Heart created such a welcoming, creative space that made it easy for everyone to open up and explore something new. The project gave our men a real opportunity to be heard, feel welcomed and valued, and contribute as part of a team.”
Rachel Moorhouse, Co-Creative Director of Art with Heart, said: “We’ve spent the last 10 years building our company right here in Salford, and we’re so proud to call this city our home. That’s why we’re excited to launch a brand-new podcast celebrating Salford and its amazing people as the city proudly marks 100 years of city status in 2026!
“Partnering local artists with community groups, we’ve gathered stories that show just how special this city really is. The four-part podcast series has been created with the people of Salford for future Salfordians to enjoy. Because it’s the people who make Salford what it is—and we can’t wait to keep celebrating that together.”
The podcast is part of Art with Heart’s wider Salford Voices project, which also includes the Salford Voices Banner Exhibition at Salford Museum and Gallery, featuring nine banners created by textile artists Chris Alton and Emily Simpson in collaboration with residents at Broughton Community Centre; a Centenary Celebration Book for residents to sign and reflect on what kind of place they would like Salford to be in 100 years’ time; and a short film directed by Kirstie Henderson at Brave Day Productions featuring The Salford Way, a poem by from our podcast inspired by interviews with Salford residents.
All podcast episodes will be available to listen to on all major streaming platforms on 21 April 2026.
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