Factory International

Get Involved

There are loads of ways to get involved, create together, or take the lead.

There is so much expertise and wisdom across Greater Manchester and at Factory International. We are committed to reflecting a wide range of voices, opinions and suggestions.

Since the start of MIF in 2007, the people of Manchester have helped create major artworks, hosted their own festivals and co-curated an extraordinary range of events.

We also have public forums where local residents can get involved in decisions around our long-term plans, discuss specific issues such as access, transportation or ticket prices, plus a whole lot more.

Now from our home at Aviva Studios, we deliver a year-round programme that the people of Manchester can create with us, help design and take part in.

Current Opportunities

  • Callout: The Hobby Cave

    What’s your favourite hobby? Join an exciting new project from Hetain Patel and Artangel by submitting your favourite hobby here.

  • Young Curators

    Factory International launch a 12-month opportunity for six young creatives to redefine curation.

  • Dancer Callout

    We’re looking for dancers to work on an upcoming Factory International production.

  • Submit a project idea

    Propose a project for our Curatorial and Producing teams to review.

  • Artist Development

    Discover opportunities to stretch your practice, develop new skills and meet fellow artists.

  • Participate

    Find out how to participate in one of our major events.

  • Become a Member

    Experience extraordinary, all year round

  • Young Factory

    Get discounted tickets for gigs, exhibitions and more.

  • Factory Academy

    A home to help people from all backgrounds start new careers in the creative industries.

  • Volunteer

    Do you want to be a part of our vibrant volunteering community, bringing art and events to life across the city?

Our work

  • Curate Together

    Manchester residents have helped create new artworks, hosted their own mini festivals and co-curated major events – find out how you can take part here.

  • Neighbourhood Organisers

    Our Neighbourhood Organisers build communication and collaboration between Factory International and communities across Greater Manchester.

  • Community Partnerships

    Community Partnerships give partner orgs and their communities more opportunities to create, collaborate on and participate in Factory International events.

Join a forum

Group photo of the People's Forum

The People's Forum

The People’s Forum is a group of Greater Manchester residents who meet every month to help point Factory International in the right direction.

These representatives from many different communities offer feedback and guidance on a range of topics, from transport and sustainability to marketing and audience development.

Become a vital bridge to your community, be the first to share new opportunities or the key to our next big public commission.

Don’t worry if you’re not an art expert. Enthusiasm is what counts. And access is a top priority here, so this opportunity really is open to everyone.

You can volunteer to join the Forum every two years.

Applications are currently closed.

Young People's Forum

We also have a collective of 16-28 year olds from Greater Manchester, who engage with the programme, policies and organisational structure at Factory International.

This group is all about impact and making progress in everything from sustainability to equalities. Young people are at the centre of the conversation, and can really influence where and how Factory International works.

We recruit new Young People’s Forum members every other year. Want to represent your area and help young people have a bigger say at Factory International? Then look out for our next open call.

  • Dancer wearing a red dress surrounded by dancers in black clothing in Free Your Mind

    Free Your Mind, the official opening production for Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International © Tristram Kenton, October 2023

    Invent a better tomorrow together

    A huge thank you to our extraordinary supporters and partners who support our mission to invent a better tomorrow together.

    As a registered charity, we work to grow our community of individual donors, corporate partners, and grant makers. Their support helps us make art accessible to everyone, transform lives through creative engagement, develop the next generation of diverse talent and power the future of the arts sector.

    Find out how you can support our work to use art as a catalyst for social change, creativity and innovation – both in Manchester and beyond

    Support us
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