Culture and community
Powering creativity and inclusion through our world-class cultural institutions
Our cultural institutions ignite ideas and open doors to new worlds. But there's more to do. With your support we'll broaden access, grow our collections and drive social change.
Enriching lives through creativity and connection
We're building connections through culture, heritage and community partnerships.
Why it matters
Our cultural institutions shape local and global communities – building understanding, sparking curiosity, and creating space for big ideas. They preserve history and inform the future – connecting people and ideas across generations.
- Our spaces show how culture connects communities, challenges perspectives, and shapes a sustainable future.
- Across four institutions, they house over six million objects, from the earliest fragment of the New Testament to lyrics and notebooks by Joy Division's Ian Curtis.
- Manchester Museum leads international conversations on socially responsible collections, while Jodrell Bank – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – remains at the forefront of modern astrophysics.
How it works
Donor support helps our cultural institutions open their doors to all – ensuring everyone has access to creativity, learning and discovery.
- Over 1.2 million visitors experienced our museums and galleries last year.
- The award-winning South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum – the first in the world to focus on the South Asian diaspora – was made possible by visionary philanthropists.
- At the Whitworth, philanthropy supports art therapy initiatives for people overcoming substance misuse and bereaved parents, while Jodrell Bank offers free tickets so everyone can explore the wonders of science.
Case study
Sparking change through art and connection
As Director of the Whitworth, Sook-Kyung Lee is redefining what it means to be a public art gallery in the 21st century.
Rooted in Manchester's story of innovation and social purpose, she's leading a cultural mission to make art more inclusive, more connected and more relevant – not just for the city, but for the world. Challenge accepted.
100% of your donation goes straight to the cause
No commission, no costs. Every penny you give fuels discoveries, real-world impact and student success.
Online giving is safe and secure
We use secure payment systems, never store your card details and you're covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
Choose how and when to give
Whether you give money, time or a legacy, you choose how and when to make your impact.
You’re joining a global community
Join the 5,000+ donors across the world who help our university deliver real-world change.
We’re transparent about impact
You'll hear real stories about how your gift helps us tackle urgent global challenges.
There’s a team to talk to
Have a question or need some help? We're a team of real people, ready to talk to you about your gift.
Choose how and when to give
Donate, volunteer, leave a gift in your will or discuss a transformational gift to empower bright minds and support breakthroughs for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.
"I genuinely believe museums can be empathy machines, fostering a sense of belonging and connection across cultures and generations. It is a unique power and one that has never been more vital.
"We’re aiming to create the most inclusive, imaginative and caring museum you’ll ever visit, and a space that reimagines the transformative impact museums can have on their communities. It's work that saw us named European Museum of the Year but we can only realise our true potential for change if we’re supported to do so.
"I back us to do the work so, if anyone out there is thinking about giving, we’d love them to be part of the journey and help us shape a more hopeful future."
Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum
