Kulturhauptstadt Leeds 2023

LEEDS 2023 will be a landmark year of culture for the city and region. Our ambitious and ground-breaking programme will transform people’s perceptions of Leeds, confirming it as an international centre of cultural activity and cementing its reputation as a cultural giant in the world. Showcasing creativity across all forms of culture, we will partner with local, national, and international artists, creatives, and storytellers to deliver a series of world-class signature events across the year. From dance to design, art to architecture, poetry to pop, sculpture to sport, there will be something for everyone!

This Seed Commission is made possible by a partnership between the British Council and LEEDS 2023 and is for an artist based outside of the UK to research and develop an idea for a new artwork to be showcased within a multi-artform Retrospective in Leeds, in 2023.

As they prepare to celebrate significant global anniversaries, including India and Pakistan’s 75th year of independence in 2022, and the 75th anniversary of the landing of Empire Windrush in 2023, LEEDS are planning a Retrospective that will highlight the influence that artists of diasporic lineage and/or ethnically diverse artists have had on the UK’s cultural landscape over the past 75 years. The Retrospective will present work by UK artists alongside work by international artists and will facilitate intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.

This seed commission will support a period of research and development for you to scope an idea for a new artistic work that speaks to these themes.

Deadline: 28th November 2021, 6pm (GMT)