The Manchester College Announced as Host Venue for Upcoming Foundation in Art and Design Symposium
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – January 22nd 2026 – The Manchester College has been officially announced as the host venue for this year’s Foundation in Art and Design (FAD) Symposium.
Scheduled to take place on Friday 27 February, the event will convene at one of the UK’s largest and most diverse providers of further education, underscoring the institution's pivotal role as a hub for creative learning in the region.
The symposium aims to bring together educators, institutions, and industry partners to champion the significance of the FAD qualification.
This qualification serves as a critical bridge for students entering the creative industries, supporting both young people and adult learners in accessing and progressing within creative education.
Rebecca Rogers, Head of Visual Arts at The Manchester College, highlighted the strategic importance of the college facilitating this conversation.“It was important for The Manchester College to host the Foundation in Art and Design Symposium because it is creating a vital space for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration around a qualification that plays a transformative role in creative education,” said Rogers. “Here at TMC, The Foundation Diploma is often a gateway back into learning or into employment for adults across our city as well as the familiar stepping stone to Higher Education for our younger students, the symposium recognises this value and impact.”
The Manchester College has long been committed to widening access to the arts.
The current cohort reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, including adults returning to education and individuals previously disengaged from formal learning.
The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, blending traditional and non-traditional techniques while fostering partnerships with key cultural stakeholders such as the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery.
Furthermore, the college is taking a forward-thinking approach by embedding ethical practices directly into the curriculum, ensuring the next generation of creatives is prepared for the realities of the sector.
“Sustainability is a core value and a consistent through-line throughout the programme. It is embedded across all briefs and informs both thinking and making,” Rogers explained. “This approach not only reflects the realities of the contemporary creative industries but also empowers students to see sustainability as integral to their identity as creative practitioners.”
Looking to the future, the college intends to explore specialist pathways within the FAD qualification—such as jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and printmaking—to promote self-employment and align with higher education degrees.
About The Manchester College
The Manchester College is one of the largest further education colleges in the United Kingdom and the largest single provider of 16-19, adult, and higher education in Greater Manchester.
Dedicated to improving social mobility and economic prosperity, the college offers a wide range of technical and professional qualifications designed to prepare students for the workforce and higher education.
