Celebrating older people’s lives and communities in North Manchester

This pop-up exhibition celebrates the lives, creativity and community contributions of older people living in North Manchester, showcasing work produced by older residents and local community groups during a year-long participatory project.

Led by Camilla Lewis and Niamh Kavanagh from the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group, and funded by Healthier Futures, the project explored identity, belonging and the experiences of ageing in a culturally diverse part of the city. The exhibition features photographs, a zine, embroideries and calligraphy, reflecting the stories and perspectives of participants.

The project highlights the important role older people play in their communities, including their desire to remain in the neighbourhoods they call home and contribute to decisions about their future as North Manchester undergoes significant redevelopment.

The event will be opened by Councillor Shaukat Ali, Lord Mayor of Manchester, and include reflections from a panel of older residents who took part in the creative workshops. Discussion will explore how older people can help shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

Attendees will also be invited on a guided tour of the Manchester Museum’s South Asia Gallery, which celebrates the experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora through collections from the British Museum and Manchester.

Vegetarian refreshments will be served. Following the event, the exhibition will be displayed in the Glass Corridor Exhibition Space during December 2026.