Animation students shortlisted for 2024 MPA Inspiration Awards

Manchester Publicity Association has announced that three students in the second year of their studies at The Manchester College's Industry Excellence Academy have made it through to the finals of their annual awards programme.

Claire Owens, Lily Curbishley and Victoria Taylor, who are all on the Motion Design and Animation in Partnership with Flow course at the College, have been shortlisted for the College Student Award.

To become finalists, the students had to nominate themselves before Creative Media Tutor, Katy Rushton, provided a supporting statement for each application.  Upon receiving the news, Katy said: “I’m so proud of Claire, Lily and Vicky, particularly because it took a lot of courage and self-belief for our students to nominate themselves for the awards.

“They’re all incredibly talented animators and thoroughly deserve to make it to the finals.”

One of the finalists, Lily Curbishley, is already familiar with the awards programme having won the same category in 2023.  Speaking shortly after finding out she’d been shortlisted for the second consecutive year, Lily said: “It's surreal and I didn't really expect to be shortlisted once, let alone twice.

I'm grateful to the College and especially my tutor for always encouraging me to sign up for these things.  They've helped me with my confidence and opened me up to opportunities like this.

Katy concluded: “The students are creative, motivated and great role models for anyone considering following the same pathway and I can’t wait to see how they all get on in October.”

The MPA Inspiration Awards recognise the amazing talent across Manchester and are intended to inspire future talent, innovation and creativity.

The ceremony and gala dinner for this year’s awards will take place on Wednesday 16 October at The Midland Manchester in the heart of the city centre.

Find out more about courses at The Manchester College and apply today.