MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL HITS £2.5 MILLION IN SPONSORSHIP FOR 2017

As the full MIF17 programme is revealed, Manchester International Festival today announces a roll call of 139 sponsors already signed up for the 2017 event. Ranging from major national and international companies to local small businesses to individual donors and Trusts & Foundations, their support helps makes the Festival possible.

John McGrath, the Festival’s new Artistic Director said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to every one of our funders and sponsors – their support of MIF allows work of the most ambitious and exciting scale to be made right here in Manchester, work which we can then export to Festivals, theatres and arts centres around the world. Their continuing commitment is essential as we work towards the opening of Factory in 2020. We look forward to welcoming more partners on board for this exciting journey.’

As the world’s leading festival of all new work created by outstanding international artists, MIF has forged a global reputation and many commissions tour globally – taking Manchester and the MIF brand with them. MIF also has a significant track record in ambitious fundraising, collecting 10% of all the annual corporate giving outside London. This success is built on the steadfast support of the Festival’s principal public funders, Manchester City Council and Arts Council England.

The £2.5 million raised so far this cycle will help ensure that the Festival can continue to develop new work for and in the city, invest in local people, bring international artists to Manchester and reach new audiences abroad.

‘A key ingredient of the success of our cities and communities is arts and culture, it can be most effective when there is a strong collaborative relationship with the business community. MIF has been a huge addition to the city of Manchester, culturally, socially and economically and Bruntwood are proud to have been one of the first to support the internationally renowned event.’ Kate Vokes, Marketing & HR Director, Bruntwood.

‘Selfridges and MIF have enjoyed a long and happy relationship, but beyond the Festival we have found our partnership with MIF to be a great way to meet other businesses in the City, making new connections with like-minded organisations within the MIF supporter family. The Festival lights up the City every two years and we are very proud to be a part of the team.’ Jane Sharrocks, General Manager, Selfridges Manchester

2017 sees some innovative partnerships between sponsors and MIF. Activation includes Hawkins\Brown designing the runway for opening event What is the City but the People?, and N Brown providing space for workshops, Selfridges hosting the Festival’s Arts Weekend party, Bruntwood’s ongoing support providing a year-round city base for MIF, NCP hosting the live relay for Ceremony and PATRIZIA UK helping to site the Engels statue at First Street, Regatta dressing MIF’s 400+ volunteers – and many more creative collaborations.