Manchester Animation Festival

Manchester Animation Festival and University of Salford Sign 3 Year Higher Education Partnership

19th August 2025

Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), the UK’s largest celebration of the art and craft of animation, announces a three-year partnership with the University of Salford. This dynamic collaboration will run through 2027 and will seek to stimulate innovation, improve student experience, and further strengthen industry relationships.

The collaboration will open up possibilities for staff and students. University of Salford will have unique programming contributions such as exclusive panel sessions positioned within the festival. Academic staff will have new avenues to engage with cutting-edge industry practice and trends through active engagement in MAF’s world renown programme.

The MAF team will give back directly to the student experience through guest lectures at the University of Salford and learning about festival curation, production, and the broader animation world.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with the University of Salford,”

commented Steve Henderson, Manchester Animation Festival’s Festival Director.

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the next generation of animation talent and industry leaders and future co-creators, and expose the world to what Salford can do. It’s about getting the global animation industry to Greater Manchester, but perhaps equally, showcasing the brilliant talent that exists here globally.”

Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean; Knowledge Exchange at the School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology University of Salford, added:

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to equipping students with real-world experience and access to the heart of the UK’s animation sector. We’re excited to collaborate with MAF to inspire and empower our creative community.”