Since beginning my educational journey at Salford University, I had inadvertently bordered myself to the confines of the University campuses and the City Centre. As a result, my voyage out to Eccles became more than part of an assignment to a module I needed to complete for my degree. It helped me understand the importance that places we live in can have on our lives.
Upon exiting the bus, my elevated expectations quickly dropped. The rain was seemingly insistent on preventing me from appreciating the art installations I had journeyed to see. Nevertheless, I persevered and was pleasantly surprised to leave with a different outlook.
All 23 exhibits, created by local artists and residents, have been erected around the town centre to celebrate “the unique character and heritage of Eccles”.
The dreary weather had paired harmoniously with uninspired and closed shopfronts, but this was challenged beautifully by the apparent creativity and vibrancy of the exhibits on display.
It was thought-provoking to see an empty high street littered, not with rubbish or neglect but instead a clear passion for revival from the people who live there. Had I been passing through and had there been no installations, I would have left the area believing it to be deprived and suffering as a result. Instead, I left with the understanding that despite its current condition people still cared about their local town.
Immediately after taking the above picture, I noticed a woman nearby who was also taking pictures and I seized the opportunity to find out more about local opinion.
Her name was Donna, and she was eager to express her appreciation for the various sculptures around Salford because they were a valued source of enjoyment for her grandkids. She even went so far as to show me the pictures she had taken of her grandson sitting in the lap of a metal sculpture (not part of the ‘we live here exhibition’) and told me of her plans to create a game based on the new ‘we live here’ exhibition.
As profound as the effect of this exhibition is, it points to the diminishing condition of the UK high street. The installations are temporary (in place until 30/09/23) and merely highlight the need for a boost to this area of the retail economy.
The trail can be found at Eccles Shopping Centre and there is a map of the exhibits found on the ‘Visit Salford’ website (https://www.visitsalford.info/what-to-see-and-do/culture/eccles-art-trail/)
I highly recommend making the journey there, but I think it would be best viewed without the rain pouring down.
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