Key Points
- The Lowry, Salford Quays’ flagship arts venue, has launched a new three-part podcast series as part of its “Lowry Turns 25” year-long celebrations.
- Podcasts titled “Lowry and the Beginning”, “Lowry and Creativity”, and “Lowry and Community” capture stories, voices, and memories shaping the venue’s 25-year journey.
- Produced in partnership with the University of Salford and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Hosted and produced by North West creatives: David Scott (ARGH KiD), Eleanor Whitehurst, and Mia Thornton; executive produced by Olivia Graham.
- Episode 1 (“Lowry and the Beginning”): Covers pre-construction ideas, campaigns, consultations; produced by David Scott (ARGH KiD), featuring Cllr Bill Hinds and Felicity Goodey.
- Episode 2 (“Lowry and Creativity”): Explores artistic processes, circus performances, exhibitions; told by artists, theatre-makers, partners, and staff.
- Episode 3 (“Lowry and Community”): Highlights community impact, support for disadvantaged groups, collaborations like Barnsley-based theatre company LUNG.
- Venue transformed former Manchester Docks into a thriving cultural hub, catalysing MediaCityUK with BBC and ITV relocations.
- 2022/23 impact: 22,000 participants in programmes (15,000 young people, 3,000 with special needs), £22.4m social value.
- “Arts for Social Change” programme: 580 sessions, 895 young participants in 2022/23.
- Lichfields report praises The Lowry’s community commitment: Richard Coburn states, “In my many decades as an economic consultant, I have never seen such a deep commitment to communities and young people as profound as that of The Lowry”.
- Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett: “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”.
- Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of The Lowry: “Lowry has always been about people”.
- Related “One Lowry, Many Stories” project: Interviews by Olivia Graham, immersive art by leo&hyde (Leo Mercer), photography by Sonya Smith and Lucy Tomlinson.
- Memory Line: Public contributions via 0161 876 2090 for archives.
- Helen Featherstone, Director, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund: “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”.
Salford Quays (Manchester Mirror) February 17, 2026 – The Lowry, the North’s leading arts and theatre venue at the heart of Salford Quays, has launched a brand-new three-part podcast series celebrating 25 years of creativity, community engagement, and the dramatic transformation of the former Manchester Docks into a vibrant cultural hub. This initiative forms part of the “Lowry Turns 25” programme, supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighting the voices and memories of those who have shaped the institution since its opening. Produced in collaboration with the University of Salford, the series underscores The Lowry’s pivotal role in one of Europe’s most successful regeneration projects.
What is the New Podcast Series About?
The podcast series comprises three distinct episodes, each delving into a core aspect of The Lowry’s legacy. As detailed on The Lowry’s official media centre page, the first episode, Lowry and the Beginning, takes listeners back to the venue’s origins before construction began. Produced and edited by David Scott, known professionally as ARGH KiD—a Mancunian poet, author, BBC presenter, podcaster, producer, actor, and musician—it features key figures such as Cllr Bill Hinds and Felicity Goodey. David Scott blends “sharp social insight with a distinctive creative voice that swings between heartfelt, humorous, and unapologetically honest,” according to the production notes.
The second episode, Lowry and Creativity, explores the artistic processes that have defined the venue over 25 years. It highlights everything from circus performances to exhibitions filmed in the building’s depths, narrated by artists, theatre-makers, partners, and staff who “bring the building to life”. Hosted by Eleanor Whitehurst and Mia Thornton, with executive production by North West-based podcast producer and artist Olivia Graham, the episode celebrates the highs of creative output at The Lowry.
The third instalment, Lowry and Community, reveals the venue’s profound social impact. Listeners hear how The Lowry has supported underserved communities, built confidence, reduced isolation, and integrated lived experiences onto the stage through partnerships like that with Barnsley-based theatre company LUNG. Executive producer Olivia Graham oversees the series, ensuring authentic North West voices drive the narrative.
How Has The Lowry Transformed Salford Quays?
The Lowry stands as the “cultural and community heart of the Salford Quays regeneration project,” as described in a comprehensive impact report by Lichfields, published to mark the start of its 25th year. Originally a post-industrial landscape of Manchester Docks, the area evolved into MediaCityUK, with The Lowry’s presence critically influencing decisions by the BBC and ITV Studios to relocate there. Senior Director Richard Coburn of Lichfields remarked, “The Lowry is a cultural powerhouse. A vital venue, an essential place for northwest audiences to meet the best quality artistic work”.
This transformation extends beyond economics. The venue’s education, employability, volunteering, and community programmes target disadvantaged groups amid challenges like the cost-of-living crisis and post-Covid recovery. In 2022/23 alone, 22,000 individuals participated, including 15,000 young people and 3,000 with special educational needs or disabilities, across 3,200 sessions totalling over 6,000 hours and generating £22.4 million in social value. The flagship “Arts for Social Change” initiative reached 895 young people through 580 sessions, fostering skills, wellbeing, and opportunities.
Who Are the Key People and Partners Involved?
A trio of North West creatives host and produce the podcasts: David Scott (ARGH KiD) for the origins episode, alongside Eleanor Whitehurst and Mia Thornton, under Olivia Graham’s executive production. Partnerships include the University of Salford and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which funded the broader “Lowry Turns 25” project with £200,000.
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of The Lowry, emphasised, “Lowry has always been about people, and ‘One Lowry, Many Stories’ shines a light on the people who’ve helped shape this place from volunteers and artists to local residents”. Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett added, “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”. Helen Featherstone, Director, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated, “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’”.
What Other 25th Anniversary Initiatives Are Planned?
Complementing the podcasts, the “One Lowry, Many Stories” project features artist commissions. Olivia Graham conducts interviews with pre-Lowry residents, local leaders, and artists, supported by University of Salford students, archiving stories digitally. A public “Memory Line” at 0161 876 2090 invites up to five-minute contributions for potential inclusion.
Local artist collaboration leo&hyde, led by Leo Mercer, creates an immersive ground-floor artwork from memories. Photographer Sonya Smith and writer Lucy Tomlinson profile ten connected individuals, with portraits online and exhibited from 7 October 2025. Lightwaves festival returns 4-7 December, featuring Elisa Artesero. Earlier Lichfields report and Complicité collaboration underscore ongoing impact.
Why Does This Launch Matter for Salford Communities?
Richard Coburn of Lichfields noted, “It stands as a powerful example of how arts and culture can transform localities lacking investment into thriving new places, significantly enhance lives, and generate substantial economic benefits”. The podcasts and projects preserve heritage while inspiring future creativity, ensuring The Lowry remains a beacon for underserved voices in Salford. As the venue enters its 26th year, this neutral chronicle—from official announcements to expert analyses—affirms its enduring role in cultural regeneration.
