The Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA) is a society established in 1859 for the purpose of organising Annual Open Exhibitions in Manchester City Art Gallery, formerly the Manchester Institution. Since refurbishment of the art gallery, MAFA has endeavoured to maintain its profile by presenting exhibitions of painting, prints, drawings and sculpture in venues in Manchester and throughout North West England.
The society has been associated with a number of notable individuals, including Alfred Waterhouse, Ford Madox Brown, LS Lowry, Norman Adams and Anne Redpath. Past presidents include the artists William Knight Keeling and Robert Crozier.[1] Academy members have played a significant role in the Manchester art scene for over a century, including the design of several of its buildings and public works.
The Academy consists of over 100 elected members who are mainly professional artists practising not only in the North West of England but throughout the United Kingdom and in Europe. The objective of the Academy is to promote the work of its members and, in addition, other artists through organising exhibitions, workshops and talks.
In 2009 - 2010, MAFA celebrates its 150th anniversary through a series of exhibitions and a service at Manchester Cathedral in November 2009.