In 2024, CAN received Gold Employer Status in the College’s Industry Excellence for our work across 2023/2024.
This year, we were awarded a Certificate Recognising Partnership Excellence, acknowledging how, as an employer, CAN supported the college’s students in developing their experience of working with a creative organisation.
Students from Animation, Illustration, and Music courses worked with CAN Young Artists, using their learning in a practical setting. Students created an animation using original illustrations working with professional animators to complement live music created by students and young people under the guidance of CAN Music Leader Emma Marsh.
The project culminated in a sharing at Contact for family and friends in March 2025.
“The partnership with Manchester College has always been fruitful, and features a very supportive attitude to the young people we work with.”
“Our partnership with the college has introduced their students to the world of community arts, and they can now see progression routes into the sector through their experience of working with CAN Young Artists.“
“Our relationship with The Manchester College has also given us the opportunity to perform in their state-of-the-art New Studio spaces and to take part in workshops in modern, contemporary rehearsal rooms. The space has been inviting and inspiring, and gives our young artists safe spaces to be creative.”
Michelle Udogu, Creative Producer, Children and Young People
Thanks to animation artists Sanna Räsänen, Sam Carson, and Jonathan Garvey, who developed stop-motion animation from the group’s illustrations. Creative Industries Trafford supported the project through the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive, which is held at Waterside Arts. Creative Industries Trafford utilises the archive to support the well-being of local communities.
The CAN Young Artists programme is funded by The Granada Foundation and BBC Children in Need.
Photos: The Manchester College
