One Lowry, Many Stories: New Immersive Installation and Photography Exhibition Celebrate 25 Years of Salford’s Cultural Landmark

Community voices and striking portraits mark Lowry’s milestone anniversary.

As celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Salford’s Lowry continue, a new heritage project – One Lowry, Many Stories – has launched, inviting the public to explore the voices and memories that have shaped the organisation’s journey.

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the first two new artist commissions that honour the people behind Lowry’s legacy are now open to the public.

Immersive Installation by leo&hyde

Created by Mancunian musical theatre company leo&hyde, the immersive installation invites audiences to step into a world of memories and imagination. Located on the ground floor of Lowry, the free and accessible artwork will remain open for six months.

Through projections and recorded voices, the installation brings together stories from across the community—from those who lived and worked in Salford Quays before Lowry was built, to young creatives whose careers began here. The work was developed in collaboration with projection specialists Focal Studios and design studio Urban Workbench.

Over 40 individuals contributed oral histories to the project, recorded by podcast producer Olivia Graham with support from students at the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. As a lasting legacy of the project, the recorded oral histories will be deposited in the Salford Digital Archives at the University of Salford.

Photography Exhibition by Sonya Smith and Lucy Tomlinson 

Complementing the installation is a new exhibition by photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson, located in Lowry’s Copley Community Cases.

The exhibition profiles twelve individuals connected to Lowry, from ballet legend Carlos Acosta to former Councillor, Bill Hinds, who was part of the team behind the regeneration of Salford Quays, and from youth programme participants to long-serving staff, the portraits and stories capture the spirit and impact of Lowry over the past 25 years.

Aisling Serrant, Head of Learning and Engagement at Lowry said: “One Lowry, Many Stories is a powerful reminder that heritage lives in people, not just places. It’s been a joy to see people of all ages reflect on their connection to Lowry and share their stories as part of this celebration.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Communities are at the heart of our heritage stories, and as Lowry’s 25th birthday celebrations continue, it is wonderful to see people sharing their memories of Lowry and its home of Salford Quays. We’re delighted to support One Lowry, Many Stories thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, to ensure these stories can live on and be celebrated and added to by future generations.”

Looking Ahead: Lightwaves Artwork by Elisa Artesero

Salford-based artist Elisa Artesero will unveil a new light-based artwork at Lightwaves Salford, one of the UK’s best-loved light festivals. Inspired by the collected oral histories, her poetic public art piece will illuminate Salford Quays from 4–7 December 2025.

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.