School of Digital Arts (SODA)

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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School of Digital Arts (SODA)

12 Higher Chatham Street, Manchester, M15 6BR
The School of Digital Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University. Opens 2021. Study film, VR, AR, AI, games & UX design, photography; make creative content.
MMU
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The School of Digital Arts (SODA) is part of Manchester Metropolitan University – a purpose‑built, interdisciplinary school that facilitates the study of film, VR, AR, AI, games & UX design and photography.

Opened in 2021,  the building provides specialised equipment and spaces, from sound design to stop-motion animation, photography studios, a cinema and much more. SODA is home to Modal, a gallery space designed to allow students and visiting artists to experiment with their chosen mediums and showcase finished works.

SODA often hosts events open to the public, particularly in the Modal gallery space as well as series of classes and sessions on new, creative technologies and the business skills required to implement new strategies, specifically for local businesses in Greater Manchester and the North West. Check the website for more information on upcoming events.

 

 

What's on near School of Digital Arts (SODA)

Abel Selaocoe_Spring 2026_credit Phil Sharp_sq
Until
MusicManchester
Inspirational Artists at RNCM

The RNCM launches its second Inspirational Artists series, spotlighting a huge range of touring musicians and ensembles, each bringing something unique to the stage.

From £12.50
jonathan schofield giving tour
Until
Manchester
The Kimpton Clocktower Tour

Explore the incredible history behind one of Britain’s grandest and most storied commercial buildings: Manchester’s Grade II listed Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

From £25.00
Until
ActivityManchester
Film Course: French New Wave at HOME

Coinciding with the release of Richard Linklater’s film Nouvelle Vague, this HOME course offers an accessible overview of one of cinema’s most influential movements.

From £65
MusicManchester
Bar Italia at Manchester Academy 2

One of London’s most hyped bands of the last few years, Bar Italia are playing Band on the Wall in support of their latest album, Some Like It Hot.

From £19.45

Where to go near School of Digital Arts (SODA)

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

Manchester
University
MMU Student Union

Manchester Metropolitan University Students’ Union building houses a bar and various other facilities for students and staff.

Manchester
Gallery
Manchester School of Art

The Manchester School of Art, of which the Holden Gallery is a part, is a beautiful neo-Gothic building that’s part of MMU’s All Saints campus.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

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Ceramic Sculpture
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A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
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Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
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A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
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