Kirsty Fairclough

Professor Kirsty Fairclough is an internationally recognised academic, curator, and cultural producer specialising in popular culture, film, and media. As a leading voice in screen studies and music cultures, she has shaped global conversations on celebrity and the intersections of pop and politics.

Kirsty is Professor of Screen Studies at SODA.

A sought-after speaker and curator, she has worked with SXSW, Glastonbury Festival, and BFI, and previously served as Chair of Manchester Jazz Festival.

With extensive media contributions and collaborations with artists, brands, and institutions, Kirsty bridges academia and industry with a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach. At SXSW 2025, she brings her expertise in storytelling and digital culture to explore the evolving landscape of media and performance in a rapidly shifting world.