Manchester International Arts (MIA) was founded in 1988 to present international, multi-cultural and animatory events – many of then outdoors and free.

Over the last 21 years, we have put our energy and imagination into organising large and vibrant festivals and special events in urban centres and parks. Major projects have included Ona Catalana, Streets Ahead, The Commonwealth Games Festival, The Garden of Delights and now Feast – Picnic by the Lake which takes the concept of ‘a street festival’ into Platt Fields Park, Manchester, transforming the space and offering countless opportunities for public engagement.

MIA have collaborated on many events in the North of England, most recently taking the Streets Ahead festival to Liverpool as part of Capital of Culture, programming large-scale performances in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, working with DiGM on Manchester’s Urban Moves dance festival and partnering Kendal Arts International to develop Mintfest and the new ‘Lakes Alive’ programme.