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
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
Poster
MusicManchester
Voka Gentle at YES Basement

Voka Gentle return to Manchester with a headline show in YES Basement, bringing new material that pushes their already elastic sound into darker, stranger territory.

From £14.50
MusicManchester
Sorry at Gorilla

Sorry return to Manchester with a new album that finally captures the full strangeness and clarity of a band who’ve spent years ducking easy categorisation.

From £23.25
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

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
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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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