Cultural engagement encompasses our creative programmes as well as partnerships with our cultural institutions – all of which contribute to our role as a key driver of social development and cultural exchange.

Each of our unique cultural institutions focus on building civic, national and international partnerships to advance the social, environmental and individual wellbeing of our communities. These institutions engage with individuals, civil society organisations, educators, leaders and employers through diverse collections, ideas, objects, events, performances, exhibitions, partnerships and inspirational spaces.

All of our cultural institutions work actively with schools, colleges and prospective students to provide a place of exchange, inspiration and enjoyment. Our cultural institutions each have their own educational programmes, which are developed and led by specialist staff, and through joint-working with our University’s Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Team.

Our recently launched creative programme, Creative Manchester is a partner for education, funding, inclusion and promotion, offering stakeholders at every level the chance to get involved in Manchester’s arts and culture.

Whilst we’ve got many accomplishments to look forward to, here’s just a few examples of what we have already achieved in the last three years:

• Our cultural institutions received more than a million visitors each year.
• World’s first carbon literate museum
• 4,000 local school and college students use our libraries every year
• Jodrell Bank Observatory awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status
• Established pioneering Office for Useful Art.

Check out the rest in our cultural engagement impact film.

Find about more about our social responsibility activities.