Illuminated 70-metre spectacle takes over historic building with free display

A 70-metre art display which has been described as a ‘spectacle’ has taken over a historic Greater Manchester building.

For two nights, Salford Civic Centre, which was formerly Swinton & Pendlebury Town Hall from 1938 until the formation of the City of Salford in 1974, will be lit up with a new Swinton Ark animation projection inspired by the area and its residence.

Beginning last night (January 16), the free event features an 'enormous cabinet of curiosities' beamed onto the exterior of the town hall building via a bespoke 3D-mapped animation. They include moments, memories and objects that hold resonance with people and were put together following work by artist Lowri Evans.

Last year, Lowri took a cart around Swinton asking people what they would save if they could only save one thing. The 12-minute display features the likes of feet dangling in a fountain, a bike for a wedding ring and a straw chair.

The visual project was created alongside projection artists Illuminos and Salford City Council and has been described as an opportunity to ‘dive into the lives of Swinton’s residents’. It will continue this evening (January 17) with projections running every 15 minutes between 5pm and 8pm.

Cllr Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports & Leisure: "Swinton Ark is not only a visual feast, it’s a true love letter to Swinton. Local artist, Lowri Evans, together with local residents and projection artists, Illuminos, have done a stellar job in creating this animated projection – telling the stories and memories of the town.

“It was fantastic to see such a great turn out on the first night, hearing people talking to each other about Swinton past and present. I’d encourage people who missed