The award-winning Salford-based arts organisation, Art with Heart, is thrilled to unveil Salford Voices, the world premiere of its Community Banner Exhibition at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. This vibrant showcase will run from Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, May 10, launching a series of creative festivities to honour Salford's centenary year.
A Visual Tribute to Salford's Heritage and Spirit
Comprising nine meticulously crafted banners, the exhibition features one large piece designed in the style of a modern-day coat of arms for the City of Salford, accompanied by eight smaller text-based banners. Each banner poignantly captures the essence of the city, marking its 100-year journey. Created by acclaimed textile artists Chris Alton and Emily Simpson in collaboration with residents and attendees of Broughton Community Centre, these works are a testament to community collaboration.
The banners incorporate visual references to Salford's rich local history, including iconic landmarks, natural habitats, green spaces, and waterways. They also reflect the city's industrial heritage alongside its thriving technology and media sectors. Collectively, the nine banners serve as a visual celebration of Salford's renowned community spirit, weaving together past and present in a colourful tapestry.
Artist-Led Workshops and Community Engagement
Through a series of artist-led workshops and discussions on textile and sewing techniques, plus visits to The People's History Museum to explore the powerful history of protest and community banners, the creative teams and Salford residents behind each banner have illustrated how their city is a community for and by the people. A shared local pride is vividly evident in their artwork, showcasing the deep connection between residents and their urban environment.
One of the artists, Salford-born Emily Simpson, discovered her passion for art through free workshops at Salford Museum and Art Gallery with her mother. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I've always been proud to be from Salford, so this project has been really meaningful to work on - to celebrate and examine our city with other members of the community. I'm really excited that the banners will go on display at Salford Museum and Art Gallery." Simpson fondly recalled childhood visits to the gallery, which ignited her love for art, highlighting the personal significance of this exhibition.
Centenary Celebration Book and Accessibility Initiatives
Alongside the banner exhibition, Art with Heart will display their Centenary Celebration Book, created by Walker Print, a family firm founded in Salford. The book's design pays tribute to the old corporation buses of Salford, blending bottle green with a gold coat of arms. Throughout 2025, the book travelled across all eight neighbourhoods of Salford, visiting schools, food banks, community centres, libraries, museums, festivals, and fayres. Residents left messages of hope, resilience, celebration, and joy, contributing to a collective narrative of community pride.
Notable signatories include Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Coronation Street favourite Cath Tyldsley, members of the Salford Red Devils supporters club, casting director Sarah Leung, and members of Salford's Local History Society. The book will remain open for the duration of the banner exhibition, allowing visitors to sign and reflect on their vision for Salford in the next 100 years. After the exhibition, it will be deposited in the Local History Library at Salford Museum and Art Gallery for future generations to enjoy.
To ensure accessibility for all, Art with Heart is collaborating with visually impaired writer, performer, and access consultant Ada Eravama. Her work enhances the experience for blind and partially sighted visitors, reimagining access as a creative act and catalyst for artistic innovation.
Exhibition Details and Community Focus
Amy Brunn, exhibitions manager at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, commented, "We are delighted to work with Art with Heart on our first exhibition in our Community Cases. Banners are such a good way to communicate visually, and we can't wait to see the work that the artists will produce with the Broughton Community Group."
The Salford Voices Exhibition is free and drop-in, running from Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, May 10. It marks the inaugural display in the gallery's new Community Cases, located in the museum café. This exhibition space is dedicated to showcasing artwork created by and about the communities of Salford, reinforcing the museum's commitment to local engagement and cultural expression.
