Factory International is an independent charitable organisation. Like many cultural organisations we rely on a mix of funding sources to sustain our work including public grants, individual donors, corporate partnerships, and revenue from ticket sales. Our goal is to connect communities through arts and creativity, and we are proud to bring a global range of artists to Manchester.

In 2023, Factory International became part of a long-term partnership with Aviva, and Manchester City Council which included the naming rights to Aviva Studios. Aviva’s investment made a significant contribution to the Capital costs of building the venue, which is owned by Manchester City Council - a major cultural resource for Manchester, the North, and the UK.

Factory International and Aviva have a shared commitment to supporting access to the arts. Aside from naming rights, the partnership also supports a range of initiatives taking place at Aviva Studios: a £10 ticket scheme which helps ensure that our programme of work is accessible to all; Factory Academy, our training programme that is opening up routes into jobs in the creative industries for people from all backgrounds; and our Sustainability work. These programmes are run by Factory International.

As with all significant income, the sponsorship was subject to a thorough due diligence process by all partners. Aviva’s support is provided with full commitment to Factory International’s organisational independence and that of the artists we work with - they have no involvement in our artistic decisions or programming.

Factory International remains committed to fostering an inclusive and open space for creative expression where all those working with us feel supported, heard, and able to express their views.