14 May – 2 November 2025

Curated by Ardwick Climate Action, Silent Skies aims to visualise an often overlooked and ‘invisible’ issue. It shines a spotlight on air pollution through the experiences of local communities, campaign groups and policy makers, inviting us to consider actions we can take now for the future wellbeing of our city.

Can we visualise the unseen nature of air pollution?

We as humans are incredibly passive to issues we cannot visualise. We are reminded of that adage ‘you wouldn’t drink visibly dirty water’, so why would you breathe invisibly dirty air?

The exhibition display brings together four levels of representation that are required for change; community, campaigners, scientists and policy makers.

Today, while there is no longer a thick smog to endure, Manchester still witnesses the highest levels of air pollution in the country. Levels of PM 2.5 regularly exceed World Health Organisation guidelines by over 7 times in hotspots in Manchester, which is estimated to cause over 1800 deaths per year.

Through an analysis of history, the presentation of science, communities that rally and battle the issue and policy makers who are on the front lines of creating a healthier environment for the city’s citizens.