About Us

Based in the heart of Manchester, a vibrant and multicultural city, we are one of the oldest and largest providers of art and design courses in the UK, providing a range of architecture, art, design, media and theatre courses.

During our 170 year history we have seen many of our graduates go on to be internationally renowned artists. They are a great source of pride to us and they continue to develop the School of Art philosophy of creativity throughout their professional lives. Graduates include L.S. Lowry, Julie Walters, Steve Coogan, Liam Spencer, Thomas Heatherwick, Peter Saville, Martin Parr, Brian Cosgrove, Mark Hall, Professor Malcolm Garrett and many more.

Art School – Past

Established in 1838 as The Manchester School of Design, it was only the second design school in Britain and provided training to the manufacturing industry. It was one of the pioneers of art and design education in the UK, and since its inception the School has often been in the forefront of the various debates and initiatives that have taken place within the sector.

Art School – Present

Today the Art School is home to around 3,500 students from all corners of the world who study a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a creative, community environment, taking inspiration from specialist staff, Manchester and each other.

We place importance on experiment and generating creative surprise. We have a playful yet serious approach to media, materials and processes. We are intellectually and academically challenging. We have mutual respect for each others disciplines and foster an art and design community within the school and the city. We are creative, unconventional and professional.

Our close link with the city, its creative communities and cultural institutions is a vital element of the Art School. The scope of activities within the School connects us with an unusually wide range of external organisations, including industrial, commercial and professional bodies, arts associations and galleries. And our advisory board, consisting of talented individuals and artists from a range of areas, ensures our future plans are informed by the needs of cultural organisations and creative industries.

Art School – Future

Recognising how important it is to move with the times and provide an environment that is in touch with the real world, the School of Art has secured £34 million to invest into its equipment and spaces. This process has already started, with the refurbishment of our workshops and the purchase of equipment, and will continue with the build of a brand new school of art school, which will sit next to and compliment the original art school from 1838.

This cutting edge facilities will not only provide our students with state of the art resources but drive forward the City's 'Cultural Ambition' strategy for social and economic growth.