COMMENT At the start of this year, Northern leaders came together to launch the Case for Culture report, in an unprecedented display of unity to convey one simple message – that culture will be the catalyst for levelling up in this region. It is culture that gives a place a strong sense of identity, and creativity that gives rise to an energy and ambition that attracts people to want to live and work there.
The fact that Leeds 2023 – our landmark year of culture – is taking place at all is a testament to the city’s belief in this. In 2018, when Leeds’ hopes of bidding to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 were dashed at the last minute when UK cities were banned from the contest following the country’s vote to leave the EU, the West Yorkshire city’s leaders had the boldness to say “let’s do it anyway”. They could see the impact of City of Culture designations in places like Liverpool and Hull, driving investment and jobs and putting them in the limelight on a national and international stage. It was Leeds’ time to shine.
Then the pandemic hit, affecting the lives and livelihoods of so many, not least in the cultural sector, which is a crucial part of any place’s ecosystem. But what we also witnessed was the power of the arts to help connect people and bring comfort and joy through a period of huge uncertainty. We are confident that Leeds 2023 has an essential role to play in our region’s inclusive growth and economic recovery.
Culture and place are intrinsically linked and, in Leeds, their relationship is something that has been harnessed to powerful effect. Since I returned to Yorkshire two years ago, I have been inspired by the transformed public realm here. An example is the work of artists with East Street Arts who have animated buildings, hoardings and unallocated land to combat the sameness of urban centres, offering the city something local and distinctive.
The relocation of Channel 4 to the Majestic building last year was a real moment, proof of Leeds’ growing profile as a creative hub and its potential to attract tech, media and creative companies. The fact that it chose to be based in a former nightclub, beautifully and sympathetically developed by Rushbond, delighted many people. That sense of history and memory matters.
Other cultural capital projects in the pipeline are nationally significant and could only be in Leeds. We are pleased to play a part in the build-up to a new National Poetry Centre, and also the transformation of the historic Temple Works into a new British Library.
Property sector support
The support we have had for Leeds 2023, in particular from the property sector, has been phenomenal. Addleshaw Goddard, CEG, HBD, Mott MacDonald and others are already working with us to realise our collective ambitions and it is these partnerships that make Leeds successful. And not just in terms of sponsorship, but in committed partnerships that demonstrate the power of culture in creating a narrative for the city.
We are also working with Leeds City Council and private sector stakeholders on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an artist or creative team to create a large-scale temporary artwork as part of our year-long takeover of the historic City Square. This is the gateway to the city centre and will be the first impression of Leeds for thousands of people who arrive here by train, bus or road. It will host a programme of cultural events and activities throughout 2023.
These public and private sector partnerships are vital to the success of Leeds 2023, and our success is crucial in creating a lasting legacy to retain creative talent in the city, as well as attract new talent to live and work here. Independent research by BOP Consulting demonstrated that Leeds 2023 can be expected to create 2,300 extra jobs in the creative industries and generate an additional £114m in the visitor economy.
Good news for the entire region
This is good news for the towns and cities across West Yorkshire: our geographic links are porous and so the opportunities are there for those living outside Leeds, just as much as those who live in the city. With a predicted return on investment across the region of £8 for every £1 invested in culture, not only can we contribute to West Yorkshire’s post-pandemic recovery, we can also set the path for a skills surge in the creative industries across the entire region.
Leeds is the UK’s third largest city and the city region encompasses multiple identities and many diverse communities; in Leeds alone 170 languages are spoken. Leeds 2023 will offer people from outside the region an opportunity to explore and experience the whole city region in a new way. Our aim is to put Leeds on the cultural map and make it one of the top cities in the world to live in, work and visit. And I absolutely believe we can do it.
Kully Thiarai is creative director and chief executive of Leeds 2023
