Cultural Institute

The Cultural Institute activates exchange between the University of Leeds and the creative sector, benefiting people, research and student experience.

We support interdisciplinary research, artist residencies, student opportunities and cultural programmes like Light Night and Smeaton300.

Collaboration is key to our work, creating opportunities for researchers, artists and creative professionals to play, explore and innovate.

As a key driver of the Cultural Engagement Strategy, we build meaningful connections within the University and across the wider community, mobilising the power of culture and creativity to drive positive change.

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Annual Review 2023 to 2024 (PDF, 4MB)

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News

Leeds Creative Labs tackles climate futures

This year, we've partnered with the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures for a special edition of Leeds Creative Labs focused on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the climate crisis.
Dawn Cameron on Community, Research and Culture in Bradford 2025

In this Medium article, researcher Dawn Cameron discusses her new PhD, exploring how ideas of ‘race’, culture, space and community engagement intersect.
Shampoo, secrets and the power of storytelling

The team behind an interdisciplinary research project revealing the complexities of immigrant experiences plan to take a play on tour after a successful run of shows in Bradford.
Sapling Fund 2024 to 2025 - collaborations announced

Read about the six projects that will be funded by the Sapling Fund 2024 to 2025.
Supporting Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The University is partnering with Bradford 2025 to enhance engagement by staff and students with the UK City of Culture’s plans.
Supporting Creative Collaborations: Ignite Funded Projects, 2024 to 2025

Through the Ignite Fund, we support projects that aim to tackle real-world issues and engage the public in meaningful ways. Read about four exciting projects for 2024 to 2025.
Follow on Fund announced for science-art collaboration

Bradford artist Sue Walpole and Leeds PhD candidate Morgan Thomas have been awarded the our Follow-on Fund for their project, Illuminating Minds: Neuron Puppets in Light.