“One Lowry, Many Stories” Lowry Celebrates 25 Years with three new artist commissions each inspired by the oral histories of the people who have been part of its history
As Salford’s Lowry marks its 25th anniversary, a new heritage project titled One Lowry, Many Stories is set to honour the voices and memories of the people who have shaped its journey, and those who have witnessed the transformation of Salford Quays over the past quarter of a century.
From performers and artists to visitors, staff and volunteers, and local residents – The National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project will bring together voices from across Lowry’s communities in a series of three exciting new artist commissions that include immersive art, photography, and storytelling.
Feeding into the artists commissions, Podcast Producer Olivia Graham is interviewing people with memories of Lowry and the local area, with support from University of Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology students. As a legacy of the project, the oral history interviews will be added to the publicly accessible Salford Digital Archives, at the University of Salford. Stories will range from those who lived and worked in the area before Lowry was built, local leaders involved in the regeneration masterplan, to artists whose careers have been launched through Lowry’s artist development programmes.
“They used to say if you fell in the ship canal, you'd be poisoned before you drowned… but that's all changed. It's been transformed,” reflects Frank Doige, volunteer of 24 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gwyneth Owen, volunteer of 25 years remembered, “We made all these scrubs for the local hospitals… and we embroidered little messages inside.” And for Jaiden Corfield, a participant in Lowry’s youth programmes, Lowry’s impact is deeply personal: “Lowry gave me that place on a Monday… to belong for an hour or two.”
Adding to the One Lowry, Many Stories project, Lowry has launched a special ‘Memory Line’ for any members of the public with their own memories of Lowry and Salford Quays to phone and leave a short, recorded message.
Immersive Installation by leo&hyde
leo&hyde, a local artist collaboration led by artist Leo Mercer have been commissioned to transform a rich archive of recorded memories into an immersive artwork that will be located on the ground floor at Lowry. This free, accessible installation will combine evocative soundscapes and dynamic projections to bring personal stories to life. Known for their innovative use of music and technology, their first stage musical, The Marriage of Kim K, was performed at Lowry in 2019, and since then their stage productions have toured the UK. Recent commissions include works for the National Trust and Light Up Lancaster. The installation will be made in collaboration with projection specialists Focal Studios and design studio Urban Workbench
Lightwaves Artwork by Elisa Artesero
Co-commissioned by Quays Culture and Lowry; Lightwaves (Salford) - one of the UK’s best loved light festivals - will feature a new work by Salford-based artist Elisa Artesero. Drawing inspiration from the oral histories collected through the One Lowry, Many Stories project, Artesero’s light-based artwork will illuminate Salford Quays this winter from 4-7th December 2025. Her internationally exhibited work blends light and text to create poetic public art experiences.
Photography Exhibition by Sonya Smith and Lucy Tomlinson
Photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson will collaborate on a powerful photography exhibit that profiles eleven individuals connected to Lowry. Portraits, paired with a personal story, will be showcased online, with selected images featured in an exhibit at Lowry from 7 October 2025. Together, Smith and Tomlinson aim to uncover personal stories to highlight the power that the arts can have in uniting and uplifting communities.
Share Your Story: Call Our Memory Line
The public is invited to contribute to the One Lowry, Many Stories projects by calling a dedicated phone line to record up to five minutes of memories related to Lowry or Salford Quays before its development. Share your memories of Lowry and Salford Quays by calling 0161 876 2090. Selected stories may be featured in the artworks and be preserved in the Salford Digital Archives, at the University of Salford. * (*Calls will be charged at a standard rate, and the project team will contact any callers whose recordings they wish to share publicly.)
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Sharing memories of Lowry and Salford Quays from the communities who embody the spirit of this cultural hub, is a wonderful way to mark Lowry's 25th birthday. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to support One Lowry, Many Stories, and we can't wait to see what stories will be uncovered as part of the project."
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry says: “Lowry has always been about people, and One Lowry, Many Stories shines a light on the people who’ve helped shape this place—from volunteers and artists to local residents. It’s a celebration of how creativity can connect us and uplift us, and a reminder that the arts can transform not just places but people.”
One Lowry, Many Stories is part of Lowry’s 25th Anniversary programme, which has been curated to encapsulate what Lowry is all about – creativity, opportunity and making the arts accessible to all. From celebrating the iconic artwork of LS Lowry to showcasing the life-changing work we do with young people, our birthday celebrations feature an inspiring line-up of shows, art, and events. And with so many family friendly free activities and affordable pricing as well, we’re hoping that as many people as possible will be able to join us.