We Live Here Eccles, a public art project launching on 21st July 2023, will transform public spaces and prominent venues in the historic market town this summer.

Part of a huge regeneration programme, the Salford City Council commission will see global art producer Wild in Artwork with local stakeholders to deliver a showcase of artwork, from striking installations to magnificent murals, powerful photography and stunning paintings, injecting life and colour into Eccles town centre.

The creative content and projects exhibited within the art trail include a colourful textile installation inspired by the flora that has historically grown in cottage gardens in Eccles.

Taking inspiration from  the town’s industrial past, multi-disciplinary artist Lauren Mullarkey will create flowers and trees from hand-dyed silk  that will be suspended from the ceiling of an empty retail unit to create a spectacular  installation. Lauren will work closely with the Salford Youth Service LGBTQ+ youth club and pupils from The Arbour Academy to create the piece.

Mural painter and illustrator Hammo will create a mural on the side of Eccles market that celebrates the history of the markets and shines a light on present-day traders, and street artist Qubek will be painting a mural that references the local wildlife around Eccles.

There will also be pop up exhibitions from members of Salford Art Group and From The Art of Salford, and Eccles Community Art Gallery will showcase arts and crafts from local residents.

A total of fourteen pieces of artwork will decorate the town, all the work created will reference all the different wildlifeand people that live, study and work in Eccles.

Select artists will set up pop-up studios in vacant units and deliver a series of consultations and workshops with local people via residencies in the lead up to the project launch, creating collaborative work that will be showcased.

A design competition will also be held for local schools to participate in. The winning designs will be blown up on huge vinyls and displayed in windows across the town centre alongside the works of Kelly Ma, a local artist who creates digital artwork which is printed onto vinyls.

Printed trail maps will be available to pick up at locations around Eccles and an online trail map will also be available to download, giving individuals the opportunity to follow the trail and discover each exhibit.

The project will celebrate the local community, and the unique character and heritage of Eccles, whilst also looking forward to the future, creating a message of change and hope.

Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said: “It’s really exciting to be involved in a project that forms part of the regeneration strategy of Eccles; it has so much potential and such a rich history.

Wild in Art can’t wait to commission artists and work with local community groups who will collectively create high quality art interventions that will inject vibrancy and colour into the town centre.”

We Live Here Eccles will be live from 21 July until the end of September.