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)

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
ExhibitionsManchester
Manchester Open 2026 at HOME

Four editions in, the Manchester Open has become both a biennial survey of the region’s creative output and a genuine leveller for artistic talent.

Free entry
Press shot by Ché Deedigan.
MusicManchester
1000 Rabbits at The Abbey

Now Wave’s newly revived Hulme pub opens its doors with an ‘art pop picnic’ from London’s 1000 Rabbits.

From £12.00
MusicManchester
Wednesday at The Ritz

Victory lapping the best album of their career so far, there hasn’t been a better moment yet to catch these North Carolina rockers.

From £29.95
Until
TourCity Centre
The Oxford Road Tour

Jonathan Schofield’s new walking tour exploring the treasures and famous landmarks of Manchester’s Oxford road.

From £20.00

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.

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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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