As MIF21 continues to celebrate the rich tapestry of extraordinary events taking place across the city, the support we’ve received from businesses and philanthropic giving this year is a testament to the collaboration at the heart of Manchester International Festival.

This year 36 organisations have chosen to support the success of the Festival and its array of events and activities from 1 - 18 July. Not only that, but the way in which businesses from across the region have pledged their commitment and ideas for creating a Festival that allows us to come together safely to enjoy forward-thinking creative experiences and re-open the city is truly exceptional.

Here we take a moment to share some of the fantastic ways in which our community of sponsors is supporting MIF21.

Creating vibrant spaces

MIF’s founding sponsor and official partner Bruntwood is passionate about creating places for communities to come together and reimagine the ways in which we work and live. As part of MIF21, some of their buildings will be featured in Christine Sun Kim’s Captioning the City, which invites us to consider what makes up the essence of a city – and to experience our world in a whole new dimension. This city-wide public artwork also features at Aviva Investors, Manchester Arndale, University of Manchester and Edwardian Hotels. Audiences are encouraged to begin their tour of Captioning the City at Selfridges which features captions on the façades of the building and instore along with some information on the project.

The much-loved hub of MIF, Festival Square is moving to Cathedral Gardens this year, with an incredible new site designed by Hawkins\Brown that has been brilliantly brought to life with the loyal support of Manchester brewery JW Lees. This captivating space will be home to a host of food and drink operators such as Heathcote&Co, Honest Crust, Eat Well MCR and Stellar, providing a place to gather and enjoy a playful mix of family events, guided tours, live music and DJs.

We are also delighted to welcome Co-op back to MIF, joining as Gold Supporters for MIF21. Co-op will be providing its Fairtrade Ever Ground coffee, tea and hot chocolate to fuel audiences, artists and members on Festival Square.

Visitors to Festival Square will also be able to experience the artistic project Today I Feel Like... Manchester by Berlin-based Danish artist Jeppe Hein as part Therme Art’s collaboration with Manchester International Festival.

For the first time, audiences will be able to get their first glimpse of our future home, The Factory, while it’s being built. A very special installation – Arcadia –– has been created for the site by opera director Deborah Warner, bringing the natural world into the heart of the city for one night only. Special thanks go to loyal friend of MIF and builders of The Factory Laing O’Rourke, for making this installation possible during The Factory’s construction.

Arup, Civic Engineers, Buro Happold and Eversheds are all providing advice and expertise for venues to help make the Festival happen alongside their valuable sponsorship support.

Helping to improve our sustainability

As part of our five-year environmental action plan, in line with Manchester’s target of becoming zero-carbon by 2038, we’ve worked with our supporters to ensure we’re setting examples in sustainability.

Electricity North West has provided a fleet of electric vehicles that will help us to transport artists, performers and crew during the Festival, as well as providing consultation to reduce energy consumption at our venues throughout the Festival.

Co-op is supporting our sustainable efforts by providing recyclable cups for its Fairtrade Ever Ground coffee served to visitors on Festival Square to reduce waste, while retailer Regatta has provided clothing and bags for our army of dedicated volunteers made from sustainable materials.

Structural engineer Buro Happold has also provided sustainability consultation as part of its work with The Factory.

Providing peace of mind

Our priority is always safety first and the best possible experience for all. We’re grateful to supporters such as consumer products group PZ Cussons providing hand sanitisers for all of our crew and volunteers, as well as dispensers in all the venues and across the Festival’s numerous sites to help us create a COVID-safe environment.

All our cellulose-based face masks are 100% compostable. We’re also providing training and partnering with sustainable contractors to ensure that these items end up as compost, rather than in the waste bin.

“We are immensely proud of all of the Festival’s partners and the creative ways in which they bring their support to life. Not only to provide investment, without which the Festival would not be possible, but to ensure that their contributions add creatively to the rich cultural mix that is Manchester International Festival,” explains John McGrath, MIF’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director.

With special thanks to all our supporters: Bruntwood, BBC, MEN, The Guardian, Edwardian Hotels, Electricity North West, Selfridges, Therme Group, Aviva Investors, Co-op, JW Lees, Kimpton Clocktower, Laing O'Rourke, Lendlease, PZ Cussons / Carex, DeTrafford, Eversheds, Hawkins\Brown, Manchester Arndale, Regatta, U+I, University of Manchester, University of Salford, Addleshaw Goddard, Artez, Arup, Burohappold, Civic Engineers, Faithful+Gould, JLL, Levitt Bernstein, Q Parks, Sheila Bird, Sheppard Robson, Shoosmiths, Turley, Urban Splash, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Esmee Fairburn Foundation, Savannah Foundation, Andrew Abdulezer & Laura Samuels, Leila Alexander, Lisa Ashurst, Jill Burdett, Hopwood DePree, Mike Edge & Philippa England, Helen Gilman & Malcolm Pitcher, Jim Leaviss, Carolyn Mellor, Allan & Jo Melzack, Alice Rawsthorn, Vicky Rosin, Simon Sack, Shalni Arora, John Williams, Juergen Maier, Jonathan Levy & Gabrielle Rifkind, Preyesh Oza, Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, GMCA.