Historic market town, Eccles, is preparing to launch a vibrant public art project titled ‘We Live Here’ on 21 July 2023. Part of the major regeneration programme of Eccles, the project is commissioned by Salford City Council and produced by global art producer Wild in Art.
The project is set to turn the town’s public spaces and key venues into a hub of creativity, with striking installations, magnificent murals, compelling photography, and beautiful paintings by both renowned artists and community members. The project aims to inject vibrancy into the town centre, celebrating its unique character, history, and the local community’s diversity.
One of the key exhibits in this trail of art includes a vibrant textile installation inspired by flora traditionally found in Eccles’ cottage gardens. Multi-disciplinary artist Lauren Mullarkey will create a breathtaking spectacle of hand-dyed silk flowers and trees suspended from the ceiling of a currently vacant retail unit. Mullarkey will collaborate with the Salford Youth Service LGBTQ+ youth club and pupils from The Arbour Academy to bring the installation to life.
Street artists, including Hammo and Qubek, will paint murals celebrating the history of Eccles Market and the local wildlife. Pop-up exhibitions from Salford Art Group, From The Art of Salford, and Eccles Community Art Gallery will feature arts and crafts from local residents.
In total, 14 artworks will decorate the town, each referencing the diverse wildlife and people that populate Eccles. In the run-up to the project launch, select artists will set up temporary studios in vacant units, holding consultations and workshops with locals, creating collaborative works to be showcased.
As part of the project, a design competition will be held for local schools. The winning designs will be displayed alongside works by Kelly Ma, a local artist known for her digital artwork printed on vinyls.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development, Salford City Council, expressed his excitement for the project, stating it will provide a “colourful and joyful final showcase of public art open to all to enjoy”.
The trail maps will be available both online and in print, encouraging locals and visitors to discover each exhibit.
Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art, said they were thrilled to be part of a project contributing to Eccles’ regeneration strategy. The ‘We Live Here’ project will run from 21 July until the end of September 2023.
