Ways you can support MAFA
As an independent, artist-led organisation, support from our community helps MAFA create opportunities for artists, deliver exhibitions and public programmes, and continue its work for future generations.
For more than 165 years, Manchester Academy of Fine Arts has championed artists and enriched the cultural life of the North of England.
There are many ways to be part of what comes next. Become a Friend, make a donation or support our activities through sponsorship.
Sponsor us
Invest in Artists.
Strengthen Culture.
By partnering with the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, organisations and individuals help sustain artistic practice, create opportunities for artists and support meaningful public engagement with contemporary visual art.
As one of the UK’s longest-established artist-led organisations, MAFA has championed artists and enriched the cultural life of the North West since 1858.
Your support enables us to continue that legacy by investing in artists, exhibitions and public engagement.
Why sponsor MAFA?
For more than 165 years, MAFA has played an active role in the artistic life of Greater Manchester and the North West. Today, we continue to champion professional practising artists, present ambitious exhibitions, support emerging talent and create opportunities for audiences to engage with contemporary visual art.
By sponsoring MAFA, you’ll help us to:
- Champion professional practising artists.
- Present exhibitions across Greater Manchester and the North West.
- Support emerging artists through graduate awards and exhibition opportunities.
- Deliver talks, workshops and public engagement.
- Celebrate the region’s artistic heritage while investing in its creative future.
In return, sponsorship offers opportunities to align your organisation with a respected cultural institution and demonstrate a commitment to creativity, education and community engagement.
Depending on the partnership, sponsors may receive:
- Recognition across exhibition marketing and promotional materials.
- Acknowledgement on the MAFA website and social media.
- Invitations to private views and special events.
- Opportunities to engage with artists, audiences and supporters.
- Bespoke partnership opportunities tailored to your organisation’s objectives.
Ways to sponsor MAFA
Every partnership is different. Whether you’re a business, charitable trust, foundation or individual, we’ll work with you to develop a sponsorship package that reflects your interests and ambitions.
Exhibition sponsorship
Support one of MAFA’s exhibitions, helping us present ambitious work while connecting your organisation with artists, audiences and the wider cultural community.
Artist awards
Champion emerging and established artists by sponsoring awards, prizes or professional development opportunities that recognise artistic excellence and encourage future talent.
Public programmes
Help us deliver talks, workshops, demonstrations and events that encourage participation in the visual arts and inspire new audiences.
Corporate partnerships
Develop a longer-term relationship with MAFA through a tailored programme of sponsorship, collaboration and shared initiatives.
In-kind support
Professional services, products, venues and specialist expertise can all make a valuable contribution to the Academy’s work and help us deliver exhibitions, events and public programmes.
Let's start a conversation
Every partnership begins with a conversation.
Whether you’re interested in sponsoring an exhibition, supporting artists or developing a long-term cultural partnership, we’d be delighted to discuss how we can work together.
You can also download our Sponsorship Prospectus to explore current opportunities in more detail.
Donate
Help keep MAFA’s story moving forward.
For more than 165 years, Manchester Academy of Fine Arts has supported artists, encouraged artistic excellence and connected people through the visual arts. Your donation helps ensure this work continues.
Every contribution supports opportunities for artists, exhibitions, public engagement and the long-term future of the Academy. Whatever the amount, your generosity helps us preserve our heritage while continuing to evolve as a vibrant, artist-led organisation.
Together, we can ensure that MAFA continues to inspire, connect and champion artists for generations to come.
Become a Friend of MAFA
Support artists. Become part of the story.
For more than 165 years, the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts has championed artists and contributed to the cultural life of the North of England. As an independent, artist-led organisation, we rely on the support of our members, audiences, partners and friends to continue this work.
By becoming a Friend of MAFA, you’ll help create opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers, support exhibitions and public programmes, and ensure contemporary visual art remains accessible to audiences across the region.
Whether you’re a regular gallery visitor, collector, artist supporter or simply passionate about the visual arts, Friends of MAFA offers a unique opportunity to engage more closely with the Academy and become part of our creative community.
Become a Friend of MAFA for just £25 a year.
Your membership helps MAFA present exhibitions, support emerging artists and continue its work as one of the UK’s longest-established artist-led organisations.
Every new Friend receives a welcome pack introducing you to the Academy and its history.
Alongside your membership card and Friends badge, you’ll receive a copy of A History So Far by Academy member Sheila Dewsbury, celebrating more than 150 years of MAFA’s history through archive material and personal accounts.
Why become a Friend?
Friends of MAFA enjoy opportunities to experience the Academy beyond our public exhibitions. Throughout the year, you’ll receive invitations to exhibition previews, gallery talks, artist workshops, open studios and social events, offering a closer connection to the artists and ideas that shape MAFA.
Friends who wish to become more involved can also volunteer with the Friends Committee, supporting projects, events and initiatives that help promote the visual arts across the North West.
As a Friend of MAFA, you’ll receive:
- A welcome pack, including a copy of A History So Far by Sheila Dewsbury.
- A Friends membership card and badge.
- Invitations to private views of MAFA exhibitions.
- Gallery talks and artist events.
- Open studio visits.
- Workshops and special events.
- Discounts on selected MAFA courses and events.