Opportunities for academics
The Cultural Institute facilitates interdisciplinary connections between researchers and the cultural sector. We help researchers to engage with people through arts and culture.
Our offer includes:
- small to medium funding opportunities
- creative residencies
- partnership facilitation, including introducing researchers to arts and culture organisations in the city
- profile raising for researchers through our channels
- the co-delivery of research-driven public cultural programmes across the University of Leeds.
Explore our research opportunities, including previous years projects and outcomes.
My participation in Leeds Creative Labs has had a really important impact on my career and catalysed a shift in my research focus.”
Current opportunities
Ignite Fund
The Ignite fund supports the development of collaborative research or impact projects developed between University of Leeds researchers from any faculty and cultural, arts and third sector organisations in Yorkshire. The scheme aims to initiate or bring about a step-change in partnership working.
Applications for Ignite 2025 are open: find out more and apply.
- Amount: we will fund up to four projects up to £5,000 each.
- Deadline for applications: 23 September 2025.
Upcoming opportunities
Sapling Fund
Supporting the development of collaborative projects in the arts and humanities that have the potential to effect change. Find out more about the Sapling Fund.
Collections Research Fund
Work alongside specialist curators and apply research methods to world-class museum collections.
Leeds Creative Labs
Pairing creative professionals with researchers from the University, Creative Labs provides funding, opportunities and co-creative space to share ideas and experiences without deadlines and targets.
Each residency lasts for two months, providing ample time for exploration and innovation:
- Discover new research connections.
- Gain the courage to push boundaries.
- Translate ideas into grant development.
- Experiment with new approaches.
- Expand your research and artist network.
Get involved
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