Lowry on Walkabout

The Lowry on Walkabout has recently completed a 14 month residency in Little Hulton to involve local residents in arts focused community activities. Through consultations carried out by the Neighbourhood Team, we are aware that residents of Little Hulton & Walkden are keen to see more positive community events in the area that bring the community together.

Little Hulton’s Big Weekend was the first event from The Lowry’s long-term outreach project, Walkabout, with events ranging from an ‘X’ factor contest and a Rock n Roll night to a mini outdoor festival featuring a table top sale, street dance and the creation of giant Lowry paintings from old junk!

Walkabout culminated in a large community event entitled ‘Strike the Light’ in Peel Park during March. Community groups, youth groups and schools planned the event with the Lowry team. Activities included the design and production of giant sculptures, production of a Little Hulton Anthem and lantern making sessions by local schools. The theme of the event signified the burning of the negative and celebrated all things that are positive about Little Hulton. The event was attended by over 1000 people and centred around the burning of fire sculptures and a firework display.

Some key achievements of Walkabout taken from perception surveys carried out:

• 34% of residents stated that the project improved their quality of life
• 65% of residents stated that they feel more positive about life
• 100% of respondents stated that the project had made a positive difference to the local community
• 21% stated that it had improved their health and well being
• 75% stated that they feel part of their local community
• 93% stated that the project had resulted in a better understanding between young and old
• 56% feel safer in their local area

Walkabout is currently moving into other areas of the Salford to extend activities to wider communities across the city however work is ongoing in Little Hulton at present to continue some of the arts activities with community groups from across the area. Walkabout is a positive example of partnership working between the Lowry and several organisations across the city including Salford City Council Neighbourhood Management Team, Salford Primary Trust Health Improvement team and funding through Safer Stronger Communities.

Thanks to the resident of Kenyon, Armitage, New Peel and Mount Skip for their contributions to the project.

Visit the Lowry website for further information on the Lowry walkabout project.

For further information about community involvement in Little Hulton and Walkden, or to speak to staff in the neighbourhood team, please see their neighbourhood pages.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009