Open call - UK artists for commission to celebrate Lowry's 25th birthday. We are looking for an exciting and playful art installation which allows visitors to listen to recordings of people sharing their memories of Lowry over the years.

Role Title: Artist Commission

Location of artwork: Lowry (Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester, M50 3AZ.)

Budget: £40,000 

Display period: 22 September 2025 – March 2026

Lowry

Lowry presents a diverse programme of theatre, dance, music, comedy and visual art. Located at Salford Quays we are the most visited attraction in Greater Manchester, consisting of theatre spaces and art galleries with works by LS Lowry and modern artists.

Next year Lowry celebrates its 25th birthday having opened to the public in April 2000. As part of this we will hold a year of celebration with various events and activities marking the occasion.

The Commission

We are commissioning an art installation for a prominent location inside the Lowry building (Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester, M50 3AZ.) We are looking for an exciting and playful artwork which is immersive and/or interactive and engaging for a wide range of visitors.

A key part of the artwork is sound – we are currently recording audio interviews of people sharing their memories of Lowry and the transformation of the Salford Quays area.

Lowry has been a part of many people’s lives - from those who have visited shows and exhibitions, artists who have performed, staff who have worked here, and even people who have celebrated major life events here including weddings and graduations.

The artwork must present these stories in a creative and engaging way.

While the installation is open we would like the opportunity for visitors to make their own audio recordings. We are interested in exploring if these can be incorporated into the installation on an ongoing basis, or otherwise they will be added to a digital archive which will also hold the other recordings.

We already have a soundproof booth that can be used for this, but the artist will be responsible for sourcing the recording equipment needed.

The Space

The space is approximately 4.1m x 2.65m on the ground floor of Lowry. The recording booth can be housed in a separate location.

The Artist will be responsible for:

• Creating an immersive/interactive art installation with a soundtrack featuring audio recordings of people sharing their memories of Lowry.
• Creating a version of the soundtrack that can be listened to offsite through a public streaming platform e.g. Spotify
• Working with the Lowry team to develop a process for members of the public to contribute recordings while onsite using the Lowry's soundproof booth, either to feed into the artwork or to be added to a digital archive. 
• Supplying recordings from the booth to the Lowry project team. 

 
Artists must:

• Have previous experience creating high-quality art installations, including use of sound.
• Be available for some in-person meetings and site visits at Lowry.
• Provide a full set of RAMS for install, presentation and derig.
• Consider both environmental impact and sustainability of artwork during its production, display and afterlife.

Timeline:

• Expression of interest deadline:  Sunday 30 March 2025 (11:59pm)
• Shortlisted artists notified by: Wednesday 2 April 2025
• Proposal development: 2 April – 16 April 2026
• Interviews: 17 April 2025
• Artist/s recruited: Late April 2025
• Install date: 22 September 2025
• Artwork open: 25 September 2025 – March 2026

Budget

Up to £40,000 – to cover all costs, including:

• Fee
• Travel and accomodation expenses
• Materials, prototyping, production and install of the commission (including recording equipment for the soundproof booth)
• Other technical support or needs

How to apply

Complete an expression of interest form via CuratorSpace by Sunday 30th March (11:59pm)

• Shortlisted artists will be paid £250 to develop a more detailed proposal which will be reviewed by a panel.
• Shortlisted artists will be invited to an interview to present their proposals on 17th April.
• The successful artist will be notified in late April.

Getting help to apply: 

We are very happy to answer any questions. Please get in touch if you would like additional support with making your application.   

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting an application you agree:

• That you are an artist with the right to work in the UK.
• Your artwork will be ready for exhibition by our specified deadline.
• Your work is deliverable within the timescale of the programme and will be delivered on budget.
• To attend an initial induction, production meetings and site visits where reasonably required.
• You have relevant Public Liability Insurance for your activity, to a minimum £10 million cover.
• To supply, in advance, copy and images for marketing purposes as and when required
• To adhere to relevant Lowry policies.

Lowry Turns 25 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, we will deliver an ambitious heritage project celebrating Lowry's 25th anniversary, bringing local histories to life, and exploring L.S.Lowry's legacy as a champion of working class and industrial heritage.