Culture is key to re-building communities across Leeds who have been "shut away" as plans for LEEDS 2023 progress

By Emma Ryan
Published 7th Aug 2021, 04:45 BST
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Culture is about so much more than "watching something" as Leeds looks forward to a financial boost over the next ten years worth more than £140m.

Despite Britain's departure from EU bringing Leeds' bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2023 to an abrupt end, the city has been pursuing a programme of events for LEEDS 2023 that will make up a year long celebration of arts, culture and experiences from pop to architecture, to music, sport and even plays being performed on double decker buses.

There will be events in the 'usual' places such as stages, theatres and prominent venues in the city centre, but, also where you might least expect so that people from all communities and backgrounds in Leeds can take part and enjoy.

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The programme of events is constantly evolving and being added to, but will bring to all parts of Leeds, opportunities, performances and experiences they might not otherwise have had access to.

Leeds has ramped up its cultural offer in recent years. Last October 'Laser Night' was held instead of Light Night Leeds due to COVID, however it is set to return this Autumn.Leeds has ramped up its cultural offer in recent years. Last October 'Laser Night' was held instead of Light Night Leeds due to COVID, however it is set to return this Autumn.
Leeds has ramped up its cultural offer in recent years. Last October 'Laser Night' was held instead of Light Night Leeds due to COVID, however it is set to return this Autumn.
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Leeds is ready for its time in the limelight

The closing dates are in September and this month, open sessions are being held where budding artists can sign up to find out more about the programmes.

A report has suggested that Leeds 2023 can increase visitor numbers to the city by ten per cent, compared to four per cent without, generate £114m of extra direct and indirect revenue to the Leeds visitor economy in 2023, rising to just over £140m by 2030, create 1,310 new jobs in 2023, rising to 1,620 by 2030 and bring in an anticipated return on investment of 8:1 for West Yorkshire and 6:1 for Leeds.

Coun Jonathan Pryor, is the deputy leader of Leeds City Council and the Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education.

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The Leeds 2023 team. Abigail Scott Paul (director of external relations); Kully Thiarai (creative director); Mark Hollander (executive director).The Leeds 2023 team. Abigail Scott Paul (director of external relations); Kully Thiarai (creative director); Mark Hollander (executive director).
The Leeds 2023 team. Abigail Scott Paul (director of external relations); Kully Thiarai (creative director); Mark Hollander (executive director).

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "The world of culture, it is so expansive and covers so much, so many different organisations, so many talents and jobs. There is really something for everyone and for every community to get involved."