Stories of Salford - the immersive exhibition honours 25 years of The Lowry’s cultural impact

Salford’s landmark arts centre celebrates a quarter-century with community-led art, oral histories, and a powerful reminder that heritage lives in people, not just places.

As part of The Lowry’s 25th anniversary celebrations, a new immersive heritage project titled One Lowry, Many Stories has opened to the public. Backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the initiative pays tribute to the voices and people who have shaped the story of Salford’s flagship cultural venue.

The first two commissions, an interactive installation and a photographic exhibition, highlight personal narratives and community connections across the decades.

At the heart of the project is a new audio-visual installation by Manchester-based theatre duo leo&hyde. Located on The Lowry’s ground floor, the experience invites visitors to explore memory and imagination through projected visuals and community-recorded oral histories. The installation will remain open for six months and is free for all.

More than 40 contributors offered their personal accounts of life before and after the opening of The Lowry at Salford Quays. From early regeneration days to the experiences of emerging artists, their stories were collected by podcast producer Olivia Graham in collaboration with students from the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.

The audio archive will be preserved permanently in the Salford Digital Archives.

In parallel, a new photography exhibition in the Copley Community Cases spotlights 12 individuals whose lives have intersected with The Lowry. Subjects range from Cuban ballet icon Carlos Acosta to Bill Hinds, the former councillor involved in the area's regeneration. Created by photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson, the portraits and accompanying stories paint a picture of The Lowry’s reach over the past 25 years, from staff and artists to young people whose careers began there.

Aisling Serrant, The Lowry’s Head of Learning and Engagement, 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 The Lowry and share their stories as part of this celebration.”

Helen Featherstone, Director (North of England) at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:

“Communities are at the heart of our heritage stories. It is wonderful to see people sharing their memories of The Lowry and its home of Salford Quays. Thanks to National Lottery players, these stories will live on and grow with future generations.”

The programme will expand in December with a new light-based artwork by Salford-based artist Elisa Artesero. Inspired by the oral histories gathered for the project, her poetic installation will be unveiled during Lightwaves Salford, one of the UK’s leading light festivals, running from 4 to 7 December 2025.