Swinton Civic Centre in Greater Manchester will soon become the backdrop for a breathtaking 70-metre light projection, celebrating the local community. The unique event, named Swinton Ark, will take place on January 16 and 17, 2025, offering a stunning 3D-mapped animation on the building’s exterior.
A Unique Celebration of Swinton’s Past, Present, and Future
This exciting new exhibition, set to light up the historic Swinton Civic Centre, promises to showcase the essence of the town through its residents’ stories. The projection will take over the entire 70-metre façade of the building, which was originally the Swinton & Pendlebury Town Hall until 1974.
The Swinton Ark will feature a collection of memories, cherished objects, and key moments from the local community. Visitors can expect to see an “enormous cabinet of curiosities” projected onto the building, including personal items like wedding rings, bikes, and even a little straw chair. Each object will be a part of a visual tapestry, weaving together the town’s past, present, and future.
The Artistic Vision Behind Swinton Ark
Artist Lowri Evans, in collaboration with Illuminos, the projection artists, and Salford City Council, has worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Lowri’s creative process involved visiting different locations around Swinton with a cart full of objects, engaging with over 50 local people and collecting their personal stories. “Finding out what belongings were precious to people I bumped into was a great way to learn about them and what they value,” Evans shared. “Most cherished items weren’t the most expensive, but those with meaning or memories attached.”
The projections will run every 15 minutes between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on both evenings. During this 12-minute experience, the Swinton Civic Centre will be transformed into a beacon of light, showcasing the powerful stories of local people. The visual display will feature a blend of nostalgic moments, cultural highlights, and cherished memories, offering a glimpse into the heart of the community.
Community Participation Brings the Project to Life
The heart of Swinton Ark lies in the involvement of the community. Locals were encouraged to share their personal stories, and many of these will be featured in the exhibition. A particular focus was placed on the objects people would choose to save in case of a flood—moments frozen in time, cherished and preserved for future generations. Evans said, “Many of the stories gathered tell of objects with deep emotional significance, making the project even more special.”
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports, and Leisure, expressed her excitement about the project. “It’s really exciting to see a project like Swinton Ark that tells the stories of local people in such a unique way,” she said. “The Civic Centre, a building that has been central to the community for so many years, will become a beacon of light, illuminating the stories that define Swinton.”
Free and Accessible Event for All
The event is free to attend, with no tickets required. Swinton Ark aims to be inclusive, offering a wheelchair-accessible venue with facilities like onsite toilets for attendees. People can drop by anytime during the event to experience the stunning light projections, making it an easy and accessible event for all.
This captivating 3D light display is made possible with public funding from Arts Council England. It is an unmissable opportunity to witness the magic of light art while celebrating the community’s rich history and vibrant future. Whether you’re a Swinton resident or a visitor, this event offers a beautiful, immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
