Next year Salford celebrates its 100th year as a city. To mark the centenary, Art With Heart, also reaching its own milestone decade of creating accessible art in the city, is launching a new project Salford Voices.
Salford Voices is a series of free, pop-up celebration events and creative workshops running from 23-28 August – designed to give families and communities across Salford the opportunity to make crafts and record stories that celebrate their lives and experiences of Salford city life.
We caught up with Co-Creative Director Art with Heart, Rachel Moorhouse to find out more:
What does Salford mean to you as an arts company based in the city for the past last 10 years and has that changed over the last decade?
Rachel: “Salford is home. It’s where we found our feet as a company and where we found our people. From our early days as Associate Artists at The Lowry, to getting the keys to our very first office in a local school, to landing at Islington Mill – now surrounded by an amazing community of artists – Salford has welcomed us with open arms.
“The people here have shaped who we are and what we do. Whether its primary school pupils helping bring Stan, our children’s theatre show, to life; local elders inspiring Old Stock New Stock, an exhibition challenging perceptions of ageing; or neighbours coming together for an art show at Broughton Community Centre – Salford’s community spirit and creativity have been at the heart of our work every step of the way”.
Where did the idea for Salford Voices come from?
Rachel: “We’ve made a few podcasts over the years, but we’d always wanted to make one with the people of Salford. So, when we heard about the centenary celebrations coming up next year, we knew the timing couldn’t be better.
“Last year, we travelled across the city – chatting with communities about life in Salford, their connection to culture and creativity, and what they’d love to see happening locally. We were welcomed into youth spaces, community centres and libraries, and everywhere we went we were met with that trademark Salfordian warmth, wit, and honesty.
“One thing that kept coming up in those conversations was a real hunger for connection – more chances to come together, to get creative, and to be part of something. People told us loud and clear: they want to be involved in decisions, to have a say, and to actively shape their own community. The centenary felt like the perfect moment for Salfordians to raise their voices, share their stories, and help shape the city’s future”.
What format will the podcast take and where can people hear it?
Rachel: “We’re teaming up with the brilliant crew at Reform Radio to bring this podcast to life. There’ll be 10 bite-sized, 5-minute episodes, made from interviews with residents we meet at our pop-up events.
“On top of that, we’re creating four longer, 12-minute episodes diving into what it really means to be a Salfordian – and what locals want the next 100 years in Salford to look like. These will come out of a five-week workshop programme where we pair community groups with professional artists to create something unique. Their creative responses will then be recorded and shared as part of the podcast. The podcast will be available to listen to across all major podcast platforms from April 2026, to coincide with the city’s celebratory events”.
Can you tell us a little about the artists who are working on this project and the work they will be doing?
Rachel: “Our pop-ups are led by artists Sarah Hardacre, Phoebe Foxtrot and Aisha Williams and Mia Vines Booth from Reform Radio, alongside the Art with Heart team.
“Sarah Hardacre is a Manchester-based visual artist and printmaker who loves digging through local history archives to uncover hidden stories. She has turned these finds into artworks that celebrate Salford’s people, places, and famous faces – sparking conversation along the way.
“Phoebe Foxtrot is a community artist, illustrator, craftivist, and mum of two. She runs creative groups across the city, making space for art, connection, and positive change. At our pop-ups, she’ll be offering 7-minute speed portraits, textile badge making, and plenty of crafts for little ones – from Salford landmark colouring to birthday card making for the city’s centenary.
“Reform Radio is a not-for-profit production company that runs creative workshops to help unemployed people gain new skills and get back into work. At our Conversation Corner, they’ll be chatting with locals about what it means to be a Salfordian – past and present – and recording these stories for our podcast”.
How did you choose the locations for the pop-up events?
Rachel: “We wanted to hear from people in all 8 neighbourhoods of Salford, so we split things up – four areas got our summer pop-up events, and the other four are getting workshops this autumn. We reached out to local community groups and neighbourhood reps to find out what was already happening in their area, where our activities would fit best, and how we could offer something that felt right for their community”.
What can people expect if they go along?
Rachel: “A warm welcome and a relaxed, friendly vibe. It’s a chance to chat, share your stories, and record memories that celebrate life in Salford. You can get stuck into some crafting, try your luck on our art tombola, explore the city’s past through artworks, and add your message to our Centenary Celebration Book – which will be deposited in the Local History Library at Salford Museum and Art Gallery for future Salfordians to enjoy for years to come”.
Are the pop-up events specifically aimed at the area of Salford they are in, or can people from outside the area take part?
Rachel: “Everyone’s welcome! While we’re especially keen to chat with people connected to Salford for the podcast, there’ll be plenty of other activities for anyone to get stuck into. It’s also a great opportunity for visitors from outside the area to pop by, explore Salford, and discover more about its rich history”.
What would you say to someone who isn’t sure if their story of Salford life is what you are looking for?
Rachel: “We want to hear every story! Whether you want to reminisce about dancing the night away at the Rialto, share a sentimental family story or celebrate something brilliant that’s happening in your community, all stories are welcome.
“We’d say — if it’s about life in Salford, we want to hear it! Maybe it’s a memory of dancing till your feet ached at the Rialto, a favourite family tale passed down through the years, or a celebration of something amazing happening in your community right now. Big or small, funny or heartfelt — every story matters, and every story is welcome”.
You are asking people to share their future visions for the city. What would you like Salford to look like in 2036?
Rachel: “Salford’s city motto, “Salus Populi Suprema Lex”, means “The welfare of the people is the highest law.” In 2036, I hope that still rings true — that Salfordians are living healthy, fulfilled, joy-filled lives.
“I’d love to see real investment in communities right across the city: affordable homes, better transport, more green spaces, and buzzing high streets. I hope Salford is celebrated for its innovation and recognised for its community-minded spirit.
“There are already so many brilliant local initiatives making a difference — imagine what they could achieve with the proper resources. I hope by then, people spend more time connecting with each other, and loneliness and division are things we’ve left behind.
“And above all, I hope that in 2036, people still say — with their whole chest — that they’re proud to be Salfordian”.
To be part of Salford Voices join one of the pop-up events below:
Swinton Square Craft & Gift Fair
Saturday 23rd August
10am – 4pm
Swinton Square, Chorley Road Swinton, M27 4BH
Irlam and Cadishead Community Festival – 75th anniversary
Monday 25th August
11am – 4pm
Prince’s Park, 34 Highbury Avenue, Irlam, M44 6BR
Tudor Outdoor Fun & Sleep with Salford Museum
Thursday 28th August
11am – 3pm
Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3AN