Lowry and Community

In this episode we take a closer look at Lowry’s community to understand the difference cultural venues can make in people’s lives. Hear how Lowry has supported, challenged, and opened up new creative pathways for people. How its creative programmes have helped build confidence and connection, create welcoming spaces for local communities, and brought lived experiences directly onto the stage through collaborations with organisations like LUNG.

Produced by Mia Thornton, a creative producer working across audio, visual, and multi-platform media. Mia specialises in storytelling that shines a light on underrepresented perspectives, challenges stereotypes and empowers communities to tell their own stories. In 2025 she received the British Podcast Awards’ Rising Star award and the APA’s New Producer award. Mia recently produced and hosted the BBC Sounds Audio Lab series ‘Instrumental: Black British Trailblazers,’ celebrating the contributions of Black British artists across classical, dance, punk, pop, and folk.

As Lowry turns 25, we’re marking this milestone with a powerful new project that honours the voices, memories and people who’ve shaped our journey, and the transformation of Salford Quays. One Lowry, Many Stories is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Producer and Editor: Mia Thornton

Executive Producer: Olivia Graham

Music: leo&hyde and Dan Mawson

Featuring: Nazir Afzal, Isaac Bowry, Jaiden Corfield, Frank Doidge, Julia Fawcett, Claire Fildes, Gwyneth Owen, Sarah Whitehead, Matt Woodhead, Neil Baines