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
Sapling fund
The Sapling Fund supports the development of collaborative projects in the arts and humanities that have the potential to effect change outside the academy. The Sapling Fund is jointly delivered by the Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute (LAHRI) and the Cultural Institute (CI) and is supported by the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF).
We invite colleagues to develop a project rooted in research in arts, humanities and/or culture in collaboration with at least one non-HE partner. The scheme aims to bring about a step-change in partnership working.
Deadline for applications: Rolling deadline while funds are available.
Funding is available up to a maximum of £5,000. We expect to fund up to 5 projects. All project activity and expenditure must be completed by 31 July 2026.
In 2025-26, projects must involve research in arts, humanities and/or culture and the translation of research into social and/or economic impact. For round 2 of this scheme, projects can be on any theme.
For full details, see the Sapling Fund application form and scheme guidance (Sharepoint).
Find out about past Sapling Fund projects on the LAHRI website.
Upcoming 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.
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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