University signs three-year partnership deal with Manchester Animation Festival

This dynamic collaboration will run through 2027 and will seek to stimulate innovation, improve student experience, and further strengthen industry relationships.

The collaboration will open up possibilities for staff and students. The university will have unique programming contributions such as exclusive panel sessions positioned within the festival and our academic staff will have new avenues to engage with cutting-edge industry practice and trends through active engagement in MAF's world renowned programme.

The MAF team will give back directly to the student experience through guest lectures, providing learning for our students about festival curation, production, and the broader animation world.

Steve Henderson, Manchester Animation Festival's Festival Director, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Salford.

"This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the next generation of animation talent and industry leaders and future co-creators, and expose the world to what Salford can do. It's about getting the global animation industry to Greater Manchester, but perhaps equally, showcasing the brilliant talent that exists here globally."

Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean; Knowledge Exchange at the University's School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology, added: "This partnership reinforces our commitment to equipping students with real-world experience and access to the heart of the UK's animation sector. We’re excited to collaborate with MAF to inspire and empower our creative community."

Manchester Animation Festival returns on Sunday 9 November until Thursday 13 November at HOME in Manchester.