Leeds Culture Strategy what's next?

From a year of cultural celebrations to the next 10 years - what's next for culture in Leeds following Leeds 400?

We are taking pause, as we come towards the end of a fantastic year of celebrations for Leeds 400, to reflect on the culture sector’s contributions to animating the city throughout 2026, highlighting the many ways the cultural and creative organisations in our city work to bring our communities together, as well as the everyday creativity and innovative ideas that make us uniquely Leeds.  

This significant anniversary year has broadened the city’s cultural conversations and provides the impetus for looking ahead to the future, catalysing conversations to set our priorities for the years ahead. 

As the birthplace of John Smeaton, Leeds is the cultural lighthouse of Yorkshire. Our task is to help that light shine brighter.

Leeds's previous Culture Strategy was ratified in 2017. As we approach the 10-year anniversary point it is the right time to start fresh conversations, leading to the co-production of a new Leeds Culture Strategy, supported by Culture Consortium Leeds and Arts Council England.  

We are excited that this new strategy will galvanize the city to collaborate further on our Leeds Ambitions, recognising how culture contributes to all four strands: Healthy, Growing, Thriving and Resilient. Leeds will celebrate creativity in every ward, and we will work together to strengthen messaging for our regional, national and international cultural profile. 

We want to facilitate an open dialogue exploring what we mean by culture and how it makes a difference to Leeds. We are keen for everyone who live and work in Leeds to contribute to the conversations, as well as amplifying the messaging through the organisations, partnerships, networks and communities we reach. We want this process to be ambitious, innovative and inclusive.

We look forward to reflecting the breadth and diversity of creativity and culture in Leeds; co-producing a vision for the city and set of Action Plans to demonstrate culture’s impact on our collective priorities over the coming years. 

We invite dynamic experienced consultants to submit applications for the opportunity to work on the new strategy alongside our collaborative stakeholder partnership. Due to the ambitious scope of the work, and the scale of intent for the city, consortia bids are also welcomed, click here to view all details log in and search ref 657_Leeds Culture Strategy Renewal.

With best wishes 

Jane Walne, Chief Officer Culture and Sport