11 Salford groups join Lowry’s birthday celebration with creative heritage projects

A major new programme has launched in Salford, celebrating local heritage and creativity through 11 community-led arts projects as part of The Lowry’s 25th anniversary.

A dozen grassroots groups from across Salford have been selected to take part in Together We Create, a new initiative marking The Lowry’s 25th birthday. Delivered in partnership with Salford CVS and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme aims to celebrate the heritage of Salford Quays and The Lowry through creativity, connection and community storytelling.

The organisations were chosen following an open call and gathered for a welcome event at The Lowry on Thursday 26 June to mark the start of their journey. Their individual projects, ranging from theatre, painting, textiles and murals to music and cultural workshops, will run over six months, culminating in a large-scale showcase event at The Lowry on 18 November 2025.

Jenny Riding, Director of Learning & Engagement at The Lowry, said the programme reflects Salford’s creative character:

“Together We Create is a beautiful reflection of what makes our communities so special, creativity, collaboration and a deep sense of pride in Salford. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re making new memories and shaping the next chapter.”

The selected groups include a mix of charities, social enterprises and arts clubs. Each will use creativity to explore local stories and cultural identity, with a particular focus on making the arts more accessible to those often excluded.

The full list of participating organisations includes:

• Community Support Centre – creating The Voices in Colour, a large mural celebrating diversity.

• Talk About It Mate – hosting Through My Eyes, a series of mental health and wellbeing art sessions inspired by LS Lowry’s themes.

• Women with Wings CIC – delivering HERWellbeing, offering creative spaces for women to build confidence through art and textiles.

• Stepping Stones Creative – launching Where We Live and Work, an exhibition led by learning-disabled young people.

• Lusoconnectionuk CIC – celebrating Cape Verdean culture through Batuku & Creative Expression, combining dance, music, and storytelling.

• Tatty Kids Drama Club – creating a new play about Salford’s history, to be performed at a family day with the ceremonial mayor.

• Comedy Stitch Productions CIC – running Off the Wall, a 10-week community theatre programme inspired by LS Lowry’s work.

• Doosti Salford – holding The Doosti Artwave, creative sessions for refugees and asylum seekers.

• Jak’s World – leading Creating Hope Through Art and Sound for Suicide Prevention Day.

• Salford Arts Theatre – exploring heritage and modern-day concerns in Landscapes with Chimneys, inspired by Ewan MacColl’s work.

• Friday Friends Community Wellbeing Group – running art workshops and gallery trips under the Salford Art and Culture banner.

Helen Featherstone, North Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Communities are at the heart of our heritage stories, and it is fantastic to see they are also at the heart of Together We Create.”

Alison Page, CEO at Salford CVS, added:

“We are excited to see the projects come to life over the next six months which will showcase the diverse range of culture and creativity in the VCSE sector.”

The event series is part of a wider year-long anniversary celebration by The Lowry, highlighting the venue’s transformation over 25 years from a cultural landmark into a community-led creative space. The programme includes theatre performances, art exhibitions, and free family activities, with a focus on accessibility and local engagement.