UKFT Education partner The Manchester College is supporting emerging creative talent through gallery collaborations, sustainable fashion projects and enterprise programmes across its Visual Arts Department. Find out more below.

UKFT Education partner The Manchester College Visual Arts Department supports over 350 learners across Fashion, Visual Arts, Photography, Ceramics and Jewellery. Designed to support skills development for young people and adult learners, its curriculum includes Level 1 to Level 3 courses as well as T levels and adult evening provision, such as:

• Pattern Cutting, Craft and Design (Jewellery) Levels 1–3
• Adult Level 2 Photography

Its programme is shaped by a 10-year collaboration with Manchester Art Gallery, offering students the opportunity to exhibit their work within a major cultural institution. This flagship initiative, Creative Futures, nurtures emerging talent across fashion, craft and visual arts disciplines.

One of its major projects is the Whitworth Takeover, in response to The Beginning of Knowledge, an exhibition by artist Santiago Yahuarcani. Rebecca Rogers, Head of Department – Visual Arts, said:

“Students explored themes of globalisation, sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems and the passing of cultural knowledge across generations. Through research-led practice, learners produced thoughtful visual responses that examined cultural identity, environmental responsibility and the importance of ancestral knowledge within contemporary society.”

“In the previous year (2024), students took part in the Whitworth Takeover responding to Barbara Walker’s exhibition, focusing on issues of representation, identity and social justice. This project explored the Windrush generation and the impact of stop and search policies, culminating in a public exhibition at the Whitworth that provided students with valuable experience of exhibiting work within a national gallery context.”

The Manchester College Visual Arts Department puts an emphasis on entrepreneurship and enterprise. To support learners aiming to set up their own creative businesses, it delivers a four-week business incubator programme in partnership with Manchester Craft and Design Centre. “Alongside this, our adult evening provision includes Pattern Cutting Levels 1–3, Craft and Design (Jewellery) Levels 1–3, and Adult Level 2 Photography, providing accessible, industry-relevant training for the local community and supporting upskilling, career change and professional development,” said Rebecca.

“For the past two years, students, teachers and technicians have exhibited and sold work at Manchester Art Fair. Supported by Creative Futures and Manchester Art Gallery, this opportunity has allowed us to showcase current work from across the sector area while providing learners with hands-on experience of selling and presenting work within a commercial art environment.”

The Manchester College’s Fashion Department has delivered Refashioned, a collaboration with the Whitaker Museum, in February 2026. “This project will see students redefining fabrics and garments through sustainable design, culminating in a fashion show that celebrates innovation, reuse and ethical fashion practice.”

Discover The Manchester College Visual Arts Department’s latest projects and opportunities:

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The Manchester College Visual Arts Department, on joining UKFT:

“We joined UKFT because we believe it is a valuable organisation that supports and develops our student body while strengthening connections across the wider textile and fashion industries, including adult skills development and community-based learning.”