A new immersive exhibition at the Manx Museum is inviting visitors to explore a hopeful vision of the Isle of Man in 2050, inspired by the ideas and creativity of young people across the island.

A ‘History of the Future – Skeealyn y Vairagh’ explores how the island could develop into a place where people, the economy and nature thrive together.

The exhibition opened to coincide with the 10th anniversary of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, celebrated through Jeihosphere, and features a striking abstract artwork alongside 12 original audio stories.

It was developed through workshops with hundreds of Year 9 pupils from across the island, who were asked to imagine what it might be like to live and work in the Isle of Man in 2050.

Through the sessions, students explored the skills, innovations and connections that could help create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

Their ideas have been brought to life by local creative team Nionn Horizons, which led the project after being commissioned by Net Zero Isle of Man.

The exhibition combines artwork with stories voiced by local actors and Castle Rushen High School students, introducing visitors to 12 fictional island residents and their roles in a future society.

Students from Castle Rushen High School brought the locals to life through voice recordings, from left to right are Georgia Maher, Niamh Keary, Esmae Blyth and Fletcher Harding.
Students from Castle Rushen High School who voiced the exhibition’s recordings from left to right Georgia Maher, Niamh Keary, Esmae Blyth and Fletcher Harding (N/A)

Among them is Bodhi, who champions wellbeing in a world where people and nature look after one another, Ed, who runs a zero-waste café showcasing local farms and sustainable fisheries, and Zor, an engineer working at a Circular Economy Hub to find new uses for old electronics.

The stories were developed using themes from ‘REIMAGINING our Biosphere’, an award-winning game created by Nionn Horizons co-founder Ali Hodgson and played by the pupils during their workshops.

The game encouraged students to consider how different parts of society are interconnected and imagine the jobs and skills that could emerge in a low-carbon future.

Jade Foster, engagement manager at Net Zero Isle of Man, said: ‘While science helps us understand the challenges ahead, creativity and innovation helps us imagine the solutions.’

A number of the pupils’ own ideas and drawings have also been incorporated into the exhibition, including a ‘sky vacuum’ designed to turn pollution into clean air, a community nail salon where people can drop in for a chat, and a whole-island composting service.

Ali Hodgson said the exhibition was an opportunity to use imagination as a practical tool for change.

‘No one can know exactly what 2050 will look like, but by being part of creative, hopeful conversations about the future we want, we can help recognise that we all have the power to shape it.’

Jim Rawson, speaking on behalf of the Isle of Man Arts Council said: ‘This is a fantastic example of participatory arts in action. It will inspire young people to develop new skills, build confidence, and have their voices, creativity and ideas heard.’

The project was made possible with funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council and support from Manx National Heritage.

It is now on display at the Manx Museum, alongside the newly revamped Nature Exploratorium, where young children and their families can explore the island’s natural heritage through play.

The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm.