In recent years, a growing number of students have been drawn to studying creative degrees but choosing the right location for where to study is just as important.<\/p>\n
Here, Dr Leandro Valiati and Dr David O\u2019Brien, the academic leads for our new BA in Creative and Cultural Industries, explain why Manchester is the perfect place for you to begin your academic journey into the creative arts.<\/p>\n
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Manchester\u2019s musical roots are well known. The city is the birthplace of The Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division and The Stone Roses and its vibrant music scene continues to thrive. Intimate venues including Deaf Institute<\/a> and Manchester Academy<\/a>, as well as the iconic Albert Hall<\/a> and AO\u2019s Manchester Arena<\/a>, regularly host international artists and bands, with big names like Florence and the Machine and Anne-Marie performing earlier this year.<\/p>\n The Halle orchestra is also based in Manchester and performs at the Halle St. Peters<\/a> in Ancoats and The Bridgewater Hall<\/a>, while Manchester\u2019s night life is also something to celebrate with Canal Street, Deansgate Locks, the Jazz-inspired Blue\u2019s Kitchen<\/a> all on the doorstep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Located in the city centre are two art galleries, The Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery, that host a variety of work from local and international artists as well as different exhibitions throughout the year.<\/p>\n Not only are students able to explore these galleries but there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and help with upcoming exhibitions, enabling students to gain key experience in art curation.<\/p>\n Separately, it was also recently revealed that the English National Opera (ENO) will be coming to Greater Manchester. The globally renowned company, which is currently based in London’s West End, has announced that it is now working with local leaders on a plan to make the city-region its main home by 2029.<\/p>\n Manchester is also home to two of the most famous footfall teams in the world, Manchester City and Manchester United football, drawing fans from across the globe to visit the city. This sports fervour, combined with widespread urban regeneration, has significantly contributed to the transformative evolution of Manchester’s cityscape.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The city\u2019s famous Northern Quarter is home to an abundance of street art and a variety of independent cafes and restaurants, as well as a wealth of themed bars and comedy clubs. Towering above it all is Afflecks<\/a> – an independent shopping emporium hosting more than 60 shops and cafes, making for a great place to spend an afternoon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Manchester\u2019s Bee Network means that Salford Quays\u2019 MediaCity<\/a>UK is just a short journey away. Home to the BBC and ITV there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Whether you want to be a part of the live audiences of some of your favourite shows, have guided tours around the studios or apply for work placements \u2013 it is the place to be for all aspiring creatives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Also located in Salford Quays is The Lowry<\/a>, a performing arts theatre and gallery named after local artist LS Lowry. This venue, alongside Manchester\u2019s Royal Exchange<\/a> and Palace Theatre<\/a> are never short of performances and plays, with Lin-Manuel Miranda\u2019s multi-award-winning musical Hamilton, currently gracing the Palace stage until February 2024.<\/p>\n Performing arts theatre ContactMCR<\/a> is another venue located just a stone\u2019s throw away from The University of Manchester and is a must-visit for creative arts students.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From the worker bee, symbolic of Manchester\u2019s role in the industrial revolution, dotted throughout the city, to museums including the Museum of Science and Industry<\/a> \u00a0and the newly renovated Manchester Museum<\/a> \u2013 the city has not forgotten it\u2019s past. The Manchester Museum, situated in the middle of The University of Manchester\u2019s campus showcases both the city\u2019s history as well as international histories of nations such as Egypt and Sudan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Manchester is a culturally diverse city. Nestled in the heart of the city is HOME Manchester<\/a> that serves as a vibrant hub to showcase the area\u2019s diverse cultural identities through art, theatre and cinema, all under one roof. Every other year the city also hosts the Manchester International Festival<\/a> that invites artists, authors, speakers and cultural figures to discuss, showcase and celebrate their work in a series of events.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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