LOWRY LAUNCHES ITS 2024 FESTIVE APPEAL
- The Salford arts organisation launches its 2024 Festive Appeal to raise money for its creative learning programmes that make a real difference for children and young people in the region
- Jason Manford lends his support to the 2024 Lowry Festive Appeal
Salford’s Lowry welcomes nearly a million people through its doors every year with a programme across its three theatres and galleries and is home to the world’s largest public collection of artworks by LS Lowry. But less known is the charity’s life-changing Socially Engaged Arts Programme; its creative learning programme for children and young people Salford and Greater Manchester.
The 2024 appeal has this year been supported by Salford-born comedian, writer, actor, and presenter Jason Manford who has recorded a message that will be played in Lowry throughout the fundraising campaign.
Through creativity and the arts Lowry provides young people can from across Salford and Greater Manchester opportunities to explore their own self-expression and creativity, learn new skills, improve wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and access potentially life changing opportunities. As well as removing barriers for children and young people to access opportunities; such as transport and food and providing them with a warm place to be and a safe place to build friendships.
Jaiden Corfield, Lowry Trustee and previous participant of Lowry’s Socially Engaged Arts Programme said: “Having been part of these programs myself, I can truly say how life-changing they are for young people in Salford. Lowry isn’t just a place—it’s a sanctuary where young people discover who they are, where they find belonging, and what makes them shine. In a world filled with so many challenges, young people need places like Lowry more than ever—spaces where they feel safe to express themselves, explore their creativity, and find the courage to dream big and be unapologetically themselves.”
Jaiden was first introduced to Lowry as a young person on one of the Lowry’s Socially Engaged Arts Programmes in 2014 and now sits on Lowry’s Board of Trustees. In 2019, Jaiden founded The Outliers Project. He has since advocated tirelessly to see more young Salfordian’s grow alongside the city and access everything that Salford has to offer.
Through its Socially Engaged Arts Programme Lowry works with three priority groups: young carers, care-experienced young people, and young people at risk of homelessness. Over this last year a total of 218 Socially Engaged Arts sessions were held, and Lowry hopes through the generosity of its audiences and supporters it can reach even further and have even more of an impact on children and young people in the region in the year ahead.
Quote from Jenny Riding, Director of Learning and Engagement: “Being a teenager can be challenging, but it can be especially tough for young people navigating the care system, taking on caring responsibilities, battling mental health difficulties or living in temporary accommodation. Through donations to our Festive Appeal we are able to support those facing the biggest barriers to have fun, learn new skills and build confidence through creativity and we just couldn’t do this without the generosity of our audiences and visitors.”
Anyone wishing to donate to this year’s appeal can do so in various ways across the Lowry venue or online by going to thelowry.com/festiveappeal (Charity no. 1053962)