Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival and the city’s landmark cultural space Aviva Studios, has announced a major new multi-year partnership with American Express. The partnership will see Amex become the Official Payments Partner of both Factory International and Aviva Studios.
This new partnership, which will launch on 19 February 2026, will provide American Express® Cardmembers with elevated access to some of the most exciting live music and performance experiences in the UK, including Thundercat, Kesha and Basement Jaxx.
As part of the new partnership, American Express® Cardmembers will have access to a range of benefits that include priority tickets; fast-track entry at selective events; exclusive premium ticket opportunities; onsite discounts at Aviva Studios; and access to exclusive Cardmember experiences. Factory International is the latest cultural organisation to enter into partnership with American Express, which has for decades forged powerhouse partnerships within the music, sports, dining and entertainment sectors. For further information visit the Amex Experiences® page.
Scott McVittie, chief commercial officer at Factory International, said: “Reaching wider, more diverse audiences with world-class cultural experiences sits at the heart of Factory International’s mission. Our partners are vital to realizing that vision. By collaborating with ambitious, values-led brands like American Express, we unlock new ideas, resources and perspectives that help us reach these goals. American Express has a long history of meaningfully supporting the world’s top creative organisations like ours, and we are proud that this long-term partnership and their generosity will help us shape the future we are creating.”
“Manchester has long been a powerhouse of creativity and live performance, and Factory International is a major contributor to that,” said Dave Edwards, vice president at American Express. “This new partnership allows us to bring our Cardmembers closer to some of the most exciting cultural experiences the UK has to offer, through priority ticket access, exclusive events and elevated on-site offers and benefits at a truly world class venue. It’s a brilliant addition to our global portfolio of music and entertainment partnerships, and an important step in expanding our experiences for Cardmembers across the UK.”
