celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Salford’s Lowry continue, a new heritage project – One Lowry, Many Stories – has launched, inviting the public to explore the voices and memories that have shaped the organisation’s journey.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the first two new artist commissions that honour the people behind Lowry’s legacy are now open to the public.
Immersive Installation by leo&hyde
Created by Mancunian musical theatre company leo&hyde, the immersive installation invites audiences to step into a world of memories and imagination. Located on the ground floor of Lowry, the free and accessible artwork will remain open for six months.
Through projections and recorded voices, the installation brings together stories from across the community—from those who lived and worked in Salford Quays before Lowry was built, to young creatives whose careers began here. The work was developed in collaboration with projection specialists Focal Studios and design studio Urban Workbench.
Over 40 individuals contributed oral histories to the project, recorded by podcast producer Olivia Graham with support from students at the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. As a lasting legacy of the project, the recorded oral histories will be deposited in the Salford Digital Archives at the University of Salford.
Photography Exhibition by Sonya Smith and Lucy Tomlinson
Complementing the installation is a new exhibition by photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson, located in Lowry’s Copley Community Cases.
The exhibition profiles twelve individuals connected to Lowry, from ballet legend Carlos Acosta to former Councillor, Bill Hinds, who was part of the team behind the regeneration of Salford Quays, and from youth programme participants to long-serving staff, the portraits and stories capture the spirit and impact of Lowry over the past 25 years.
Aisling Serrant, Head of Learning and Engagement at Lowry said: “One Lowry, Many Stories is a powerful reminder that heritage lives in people, not just places. It’s been a joy to see people of all ages reflect on their connection to Lowry and share their stories as part of this celebration.”
