Founder, What’s the Matter CIC
Activities included exhibitions in hospital settings, clinician workshops, community art installations, citizen science, schools programmes and public discussions, all designed to translate complex research into accessible experiences. Throughout the festival, we explored how creative engagement can complement scientific evidence—helping people connect with data emotionally as well as intellectually, and building agency rather than anxiety.
We work with artists who know what it’s like to breathe polluted air. They make things that catch people’s eyes and make them feel something, opening up space for curiosity and conversation.
Our ambition is to develop What’s the Matter into a platform for environmental health engagement, supporting researchers, healthcare organisations and public bodies to communicate evidence in ways that foster understanding, collaboration and meaningful behaviour change.
Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental threats to human health, yet public understanding of its causes, impacts and solutions remains far too limited. We need a national air quality awareness campaign that empowers people with the knowledge, tools and confidence to reduce their exposure and advocate for cleaner environments. What’s the Matter is an exciting example of how art, healthcare, science and communities can come together to make the invisible visible and inspire meaningful action.
Professor Sir Stephen Holgate CBE Medical Research Council Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology, University of Southampton
