The Lowry Theatre in Salford is launching its 15th annual festive appeal, a campaign to raise funds for creative learning programmes offering support for children and young people.
The campaign kicked off on Monday the 20 of November and will run until January 2026. This year, it is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers known as VIP’s, who are the first friendly faces audiences meet at every performance.
The Salford arts organisation, which contributes to the city’s vibrant art scene and community experiences, marks the end of its landmark 25th anniversary year.
The Lowry’s creative programme offers welcoming spaces where young people can come together and express themselves comfortably.
For young people who may face significant struggles and experience challenges everyday, whether that is mental health, health or poverty, programmes like this can change lives.
The Lowry is a registered charity that is on a mission to use creativity and the arts to raise funds to support their creative work with young people.
Creative learning programmes aims to enhance skills, integrate arts and culture into learning experiences. The goal is to inspire and help young people engage with the world, helping them overcome any barriers.
Increasing funds to support artistic and creative programmes is vital for young people’s mental health. A Salford artist, art & technology teacher, Philip Westcott, explained his passion for art and how vital he thinks these programmes are for young people’s mental health.
After hearing about the creative programme that the Lowry have offered, Philip stated,
‘It is brilliant what they are doing.’ He added,
‘Salford gallery also does things for children in the holidays to get people interested in the arts,
‘We have a son that comes along with his mother, it has brought him out of his shell considerably, he even won a prize in our exhibition,’
‘It’s a way for him to socialise and make friends with everybody.’
Young people experiencing challenges in care, in school, out of school, caring for family members, they may find that art and creative programmes can really be an escape for them.
With the funding that the Lowry raise, these young people can have access to arts and cultural activities, they may find a passion for arts if given the opportunity, helping build brighter futures.
Philip noted: “Since 2014, there has been a 48% lower uptake in students taking art as a subject.”
After campaigns like this, nurturing young people’s well-being and increasing their confidence, this statistic may change.
In disbelief every year at the public’s generosity, Jenny Riding, The Lowry Theatre’s director of learning and engagement, said: “Salford and Greater Manchester is full of incredible young people with talent and ambition, but many face real barriers.
“Every donation to The Lowry’s Festive Appeal means we can reach even more children and young people who need that support.”
Philip discussing his views on the importance of arts and creative programmes.
Donations by the public can be made via bucket collection, online, at the box office and via tap to donate points in the foyer.
Every donation will make a difference, improving young people’s lives through acts of kindness.
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