TOGETHER WE CREATE: CELEBRATING SALFORD’S HERITAGE AND CREATIVE SPIRIT WITH 11 INSPIRING COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Salford’s Lowry is proud to announce the successful completion of Together We Create a collaborative project at the heart of its 25th birthday celebrations, delivered in partnership with Salford CVS and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Over six months, 11 Salford-based community organisations brought creativity and heritage to life through inspiring projects that celebrated the history of Salford, its people, and their connections to Lowry. The project culminated in a celebratory event at Lowry, where all groups came together to showcase their work and share their stories through an exhibition, film and performances.

To mark this achievement, and offering a lasting legacy of the Together We Create project a new short film, capturing the essence of each of the 11 community projects have now been released online https://thelowry.com/together-we-create

Highlights from the Projects included:

Comedy Stitch CIC - Off The Wall: A 10-week comedy theatre project inspired by LS Lowry’s paintings, culminating in a community-led performance.
Community Pride CIC - The Culture Club: Creative workshops in photography, and collage, plus cultural trips, documented through poetry and video.
Community Doosti - The Doosti Artwave: Twice-weekly sessions blending traditional and contemporary art forms, from rug weaving to dance and candle making.
Community Support Centre - Voices in Colour: A vibrant mural symbolising unity and diversity through collective creativity.
Jak’s World - Creating Hope Through Art and Sound: Art and poetry workshops culminating in a conference spreading hope on Suicide Prevention Day.
Lusoconnectionuk CIC - Batuku & Creative Expression: Celebrating Cape Verdean dance and culture through music, movement, and storytelling.
Steppingstones Creative - Where We Live and Work: Mixed-media explorations of home and work by learning-disabled young people and adults, exhibited locally.
Tatty Kids Drama Club: Drama sessions and city trips culminating in a new play about Salford’s history.
Salford Arts Theatre - Landscape With Chimneys: Workshops and performances inspired by Ewan McColl’s work, connecting heritage with modern-day concerns.
Talk About It Mate - Through My Eyes: Art sessions inspired by LS Lowry, fostering creativity and conversations around mental health.
Women With Wings - ViewFinder Art: Empowering women through painting, textiles, and creative growth in a supportive space.

Jenny Riding, Director of Learning & Engagement at Lowry, said: “This project would not have been possible without the incredible creativity and commitment of the 11 community organisations, the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the partnership of Salford CVS. Together, we’ve created something truly special for Salford.”

Roni Ellis from Salford Theatre Arts, said: “It was truly inspiring to see everyone’s creativity come together in such a vibrant way. [the group] left feeling energised, proud, and excited for what’s next.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It has been fantastic to see the communities of Salford come together in creating this wonderful project to celebrate their hometown and Lowry’s 25th anniversary. Heritage is at the heart of our communities, and we’re thrilled to have been able to support this inspiring project enabling local people to share these special stories, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.”

Alison Page, Chief Executive, Salford CVS, said: Salford CVS are proud to have managed the Together We Create small grants programme which has showcased the community spirit and creativity across the city. From dance and music to craft and storytelling, Salford’s diverse VCSE sector organisations have shown what small investments can achieve. Outcomes have included not only the teaching and learning of new skills, but the fostering of a collective celebration of creativity, art, heritage, and each other. Thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Lowry for supporting this work and we look forward to seeing more creative investment in the city.

Together We Create was part of Lowry’s 25th Anniversary programme, which was 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.

Watch the short film and discover the stories behind the projects online now https://thelowry.com/together-we-create