Salford’s Lowry theatre is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the launch of a new heritage project, ‘One Lowry, Many Stories’, paying homage to the voices and memories that have shaped its journey.
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will bring together voices from across the Lowry’s communities in a series of three new artist commissions that include immersive art, photography and storytelling.
People with memories of the Lowry and the local area will be interviewed by podcast producer Olivia Graham, with support from University of Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology students.
The stories, which will range from those who lived and worked in the area before the Lowry was built, local leaders involved in its regeneration and artists whose careers have been launched by the theatre’s development programmes, will be added to the University of Salford’s publicly available digital archives.
Additionally, the Lowry has launched a ‘Memory Line’ where members of the public are encouraged to contribute up to five minutes of their own memories of the 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.
Also, leo&hyde, a local artist collaboration led by artist Leo Mercer, has been commissioned to transform a rich archive of recorded memories into an immersive artwork that will be located on the ground floor at the Lowry.
Adding to the project, the light festival, Lightwaves, will return to Salford Quays from 4-7 December, featuring Salford-based artist Elisa Artesero, while photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson will collaborate on a photography exhibit that profiles ten individuals connected to the Lowry.
Portraits, paired with a personal story, will be showcased online, with selected images featured in an exhibit at the Lowry from 7 October 2025.
On the ‘One Lowry, Many Stories’ project, Helen Featherstone, Director, 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, highlighted: “Lowry has always been about people, and ‘One Lowry, Many Stories’ shines a light on the people who’ve helped shape this placefrom 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.”
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