Hulme Nannas' exhibition of (in)visibility, community and urban change

This event is the celebration and launch of an exhibition of artwork and poetry co-curated by older women living on the Aquarius Estate in Hulme.

The art depicts the community’s contradictory experiences of feeling both visible and invisible living on an estate next to expanding universities and gentrification from the city centre. Led by local artist, author and playwright Anthea Cribbin, the artwork traverses the rich lives of the women and their histories and sentiments that are tied to the neighbourhood. The exhibition is a chance to raise awareness of the distinct pressures felt by those living on the Aquarius Estate – exploring themes of community, connection, vulnerability and change – from the perspectives of the older women themselves, in order to amplify their voices and celebrate the community.

The exhibition has emerged as part of a wider co-creation project led by community researcher and activist Tina Cribbin and academic researcher Niamh Kavanagh (both from the University of Manchester) that has been exploring how more equitable relationships can be sustained between the university and the neighbouring Hulme community, using gentle approaches.

This event will be a celebration of the artwork, offering chance to interact with the art and ask questions, with a few talks by community members about the process and themes that are important to them, along with refreshments, snacks and a DJ.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).