NEWS - LOWRY TURNS 25: A YEAR OF CELEBRATION, CREATIVITY, AND COMMUNITY

As The Lowry marks its 25th anniversary, an exciting new initiative is set to capture and celebrate the rich stories and heritage of this iconic cultural venue. Thanks to a generous £200,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Lowry Turns 25 programme will put the people of Salford at the heart of the celebrations, honouring the past while inspiring the future.

A Quarter-Century of Cultural Transformation

Standing proudly at the centre of Salford Quays, The Lowry has been a cornerstone of the area’s transformation over the last 25 years. From a post-industrial landscape to a thriving creative hub, The Lowry has played a key role in shaping the region’s artistic and cultural identity.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, emphasised the importance of this milestone:“We are delighted to be supporting Lowry Turns 25 as this cultural institution celebrates its landmark anniversary. It is incredibly fitting that the communities of Salford are at the heart of the programme, sharing their own personal stories and furthering this legacy for future generations.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett also highlighted the impact of The Lowry on the community:“Congratulations to The Lowry on reaching this incredible 25-year milestone. This investment is a testament to the vital role The Lowry plays in our city - not just as a cultural landmark but as a space where communities come together to tell their stories. The funding ensures that the voices and experiences of Salford’s residents are celebrated and preserved for generations to come.”

Community at the Heart of the Celebrations

Through a series of community-led projects, The Lowry will capture the stories of those who have witnessed, shaped, and participated in Salford’s cultural regeneration. In partnership with the University of Salford, One Lowry, Many Stories will feature oral history interviews that will be showcased in a special art installation at The Lowry in 2025 before being archived in the Salford Digital Archives. A photography exhibition will further celebrate the people and places that have shaped The Lowry’s journey.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, applications are now open for the Together We Create fund. Delivered in partnership with Salford CVS, the fund will provide 10 awards of up to £2,500 to support creative projects across Salford’s communities. This initiative aims to encourage grassroots creativity, with community organisations invited to apply to host events, workshops, or artistic projects that celebrate the heritage of Salford Quays and The Lowry. The deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) on Friday 4th April 2025. Further details on how to apply can be found at Salford CVS.

Honouring LS Lowry’s Legacy

At the heart of The Lowry’s identity is its connection to one of Britain’s most beloved artists, LS Lowry. As the home to the world’s largest public collection of his work, The Lowry continues to celebrate his artistic legacy and the working-class communities he depicted.

A highlight of the anniversary programme, Lowry and His Legacy, will explore this unique relationship through a series of community workshops, an academic paper, and a special public lecture. On Saturday 26th April 2025, renowned writer Jeanette Winterson (Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit) will present a thought-provoking talk at The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, reflecting on LS Lowry’s impact on art and society.

A Year of Creativity and Inspiration

The Lowry’s 25th anniversary is set to be a year-long celebration of creativity, opportunity, and accessibility in the arts. With an exciting line-up of shows, exhibitions, and events, the programme is designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. From honouring LS Lowry’s artistic vision to showcasing the life-changing work The Lowry does with young people, the anniversary aims to inspire the next generation of artists, performers, and cultural enthusiasts.

With plenty of free family-friendly activities and affordable ticket options, The Lowry is ensuring that as many people as possible can join the celebrations. Whether you have been a part of The Lowry’s journey from the beginning or are discovering it for the first time, this is a year to come together, share stories, and be part of something truly special.

Here’s to 25 years of The Lowry - and many more to come!