Leeds Culture Trust has received a total of £2,120,130.
LEEDS2023, the year-long celebration of the city of culture, has been awarded over £2 million to develop creative projects across the the city to explore lesser-known historical stories of interest, amongst other exciting stories.
The award will help bring to life new project ideas and others already in development for LEEDS 2023 which has committed significantly to uncovering the city’s hidden stories.
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The money forms part of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s post-pandemic recovery fund for community and cultural events and organisations. LEEDS2023 was one of seven projects across the nation to receive a share in the sum.
We can expect a whole host of activity throughout the year from some of our city’s most talented. From self-taught civil engineer John Smeaton to with poet Matt Abbott to explore the hidden stories of the Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley and its local communities.
In Otley, a series of craft workshops themed around “The Day The Elephants Came to Town” has emerged from an historical event that took place in the popular market town. The idea came from storyteller and artist Vickie Orton, who researched and uncovered new facts and has been working with community groups – including the local Brownie pack, knitting circle and The Men’s Shed – to give the story a new lease of life.
LEEDS 2023 Creative Director and CEO, Kully Thiarai, said: “The LEEDS 2023 team is delighted to have been awarded this latest funding which will play a crucial role in developing these original and exciting projects. As an organization we are absolutely committed to revealing and celebrating the diverse stories and the great heritage of our fantastic city. One of our greatest strengths is our diversity and this project helps to amplify all those voices and celebrate our differences.
“Leeds’s sporting achievements are renowned but its time in the cultural limelight is long overdue. All these brands have huge international reputations, and they will help us put Leeds on the world stage for culture.”
Amongst some of the names set to take part in the year-long event include The British Library, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United, the National Youth Theatre and WOW – Women of the World and more.
The full event programme is due to be unveiled to the public on Friday 23 September 2022.
Feature Image- LEEDS2023
