Cultural Institute
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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Find out about our latest news and opportunities.
Annual Review 2024-25 (PDF, 14MB)
Download our Annual Review.
Apply to Leeds Creative Labs 2026
A funded opportunity for artists and creative professionals to work in collaboration with University of Leeds researchers.
News
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Igniting new partnerships
The Ignite Fund is supporting new partnerships between University of Leeds researchers and cultural organisations across Yorkshire, enabling creative collaborations that address shared challenges and spark new ideas.
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Ella reflects on her role as Exhibition Assistant at Loading Bay’s Bradford 2025 finale
Ellie talks shares how art can bring people together and create a sense of community through a unique cultural project.
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Open up: making arts and cultural activities accessible to everyone
Your guide to arts and cultural events, workshops, talks and more, at the University of Leeds. Open Up is our invitation to connect through culture, on campus, in the city, and beyond.
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Leeds Creative Labs partners with Yorkshire Sculpture Park to explore the theme of connection
We've partnered with the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to launch the latest edition of Leeds Creative Labs, pairing six artists with six academics for a collaborative residency.
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New Turner Prize education partnership revealed
A partnership between University of Leeds, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Yorkshire Contemporary will support the education programme of the Turner Prize 2025.
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A Well Deserved Cuppa: Saba Siddiqui’s Invitation to Sit, Reflect and Resist
As part of OUR TURN: Bradford Visual Arts Festival, artist Saba Siddiqui presents a multi-sensory installation that invites visitors to gather around a table and reflect on the ritual of the tea break.
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Artworks for all ages illuminate campus
Music, magic and mind-bending research are transforming the University of Leeds campus for its most ambitious contribution to Light Night yet.