Manchester International Festival

Overview Manchester International Festival (MIF) is a biennial international arts festival based in Manchester, UK. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission under the number 1113902[2]. The festival focuses on commissioning and showcasing new and innovative artistic works, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with local and international artists.

History MIF was first launched in 2007, co-founded by Alex Poots and Manchester City Council[3]. Since its inception, it has become a prominent event in the UK arts scene, attracting a significant audience and critical acclaim for its ambitious projects.

Objectives and Activities The festival organizes a wide range of artistic events, including performances, exhibitions, and special events. These are designed to engage the public, promote new artistic works, and foster creativity within the community[3]. MIF also engages in year-round activities, such as staging performances and touring selected commissions both nationally and internationally[2].

MIF has been instrumental in empowering local talent and engaging the community in arts projects. Residents of Manchester play a crucial role in contributing to the festival through various roles such as participants, artists, and co-curators[1]. The festival aims to use art as a catalyst for social change and innovation, not only in Manchester but also globally by sharing Manchester-made projects with international audiences[1].

Venues and Events The festival takes place across multiple venues in Manchester, with the Aviva Studios serving as a central hub since 2023[2][5]. Events are designed to be accessible and engaging for a broad audience, with features such as captioning, audio descriptions, and wheelchair accessibility[5].

In recent years, MIF has seen significant attendance, with over 325,000 visitors in 2023[3]. The festival continues to evolve, with upcoming events scheduled for the summer of 2025[1][5].

Financials MIF's financial operations are substantial, with a total income of over £28 million in the financial year ending March 2024. This includes significant funding from government grants, exceeding £18 million[2]. The expenditure is similarly extensive, with over £30 million allocated towards charitable activities and fundraising efforts[2].

Leadership As of the latest information, John McGrath serves as the Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Manchester International Festival[3]. Other key figures include Randel Bryan as Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive, and Sheena Wrigley as Venue Director[3].

[1] https://factoryinternational.org/about/manchester-international-festival/ [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4023152 [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_International_Festival [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4023152/contact-information [5] https://factoryinternational.org/mif25/