Education at Cornerhouse is part of Programme and Engagement, a new team established in September 2008. We are a cross-disciplinary team that engages with and develops audiences through participation, communications and education activities. Staff have expertise in formal education, youth programmes, HE & FE, lifelong learning, marketing & communications, and access & diversity. We are currently investigating new ways to integrate education and communications, particularly around digital engagement and open source methodologies.
Cornerhouse officially established its Education Department in October 2004 although there’s been a strong history of learning and education programmes from the very start. Most of our events are designed with the art and film programme and a good excuse to socialise too!
Under Events and Courses you'll find guides to whether an event is introductory level or above but if you are unsure just ask us. We want you to enjoy our events and keep coming back so we also welcome feedback on your experiences and ideas for the future.
Email us on engagement@cornerhouse.org
- Sarah Perks, Programme & Engagement Director
Sarah is Programme & Engagement Director at Cornerhouse, Manchester’s international centre for contemporary visual arts and cinema. She is responsible for strategic management of the team including all education programmes and communications. Sarah is also a director of Northern Film Network and a freelance lecturer and writer specialising in Asian art and cinema. Sarah has completed a Common Purpose Matrix Leadership course and led a Cultural Leadership Programme research project on personalisation, audiences and organisational culture – click here to read.
Sarah’s role model is Cesar Milan who has helped (via the medium of television) with the rehabilitation of her 2 rescue dogs - Benji and Lola.
- Rachel Hayward, Programme Manager
Rachel Hayward started working at Cornerhouse as the Cinemas Education Officer in January 2005 after finishing an MA in Contemporary Literature and Film at the University of Hull in 2004. Her research interests include British and World Cinema. Rachel also manages PROJECTOR: the year-round programme of events targeted at schools and colleges and events for the general public.
Rachel likes kung fu, movies, live music and guitarists!
- Marisa Draper, Young People’s Programme Manager
Marisa is the Young People’s Programme Manager at Cornerhouse. She is responsible for managing LiveWire, Cornerhouse's informal education project for 14-18 year olds. Marisa has a degree in Interactive Arts and initially became involved with Cornerhouse through doing work experience on exposures UK Student Film Festival.
Marisa also likes muddy festivals, films and travelling.
- Emma Leather, Engagement Manager
Emma first worked at Cornerhouse at the beginning of 2005 helping to co-ordinate the Higher Education programme for the 2005 Viva! Spanish and Latin American Film Festival, before joining the team permanently in November 2008 as Engagement Manager. In her role, Emma is primarily responsible for the organisation and delivery of Engagement events and programmes across both cinema and visual arts. Emma (finally!) completed her PhD in Spanish / Catalan Cinema in July 2008 and is hoping to convert her thesis into a book. While completing her PhD, Emma taught Spanish language to undergraduate students at MMU and helped with the delivery of seminars on Contemporary Spanish Cinema.
Emma loves music, travelling and for her sins is an avid BWFC fan!