Welcome to AHEAD

AHEAD is the public engagement programme of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Manchester Metropolitan University.

AHEAD supports academics and brings to the public a rolling programme of events and collaborations on a range of topics, disciplines and research areas from across the faculty and throughout the year .They are experts in how arts, humanities, and social sciences address modern challenges and make a positive impact on society.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities produces world-leading research and education that changes lives. Our expertise spans art, design, fashion, English, politics, history, sociology, criminology, architecture, journalism, languages and more.

Come along and explore our amazing programme of events.


Download the Public Engagement Calendar for upcoming activity involving Manchester Met’s Arts and Humanities Researchers

Events Programme

Our Researchers are sharing their creativity and wisdom across the university all year round. Here are a selection of ways you can hear about their impact and conversations

Highlights from the Faculty

Bunker Talks Winter/Spring 2026

Curated by the Performance Research Group at Manchester School of Art, Bunker Talks explore geopolitical, ecological or economic concerns. The talks create space for critical encounters, presentations, provocation and dialogue by interviewing industry guests about practice & research.

Future Flares Festival 2026

Future Flares Festival returns in 2026 with more innovative and impactful performances, presentations, discussions and workshops. Bringing some of the most important new voices in contemporary European performance making together in Manchester, Future Flares encourages creative discourse about just how the art-form is responding to our changing world.