Leeds Creative Labs
Leeds Creative Labs is a residency programme that pairs artists with researchers from the University of Leeds to foster open-ended collaborations, encouraging participants to explore new ideas without the pressure of producing specific outcomes.
Academics are by nature curious, and Creative Labs stimulates thinking outside the box, I recommend everyone gives Creative Labs a shot. What we experienced through the programme wouldn’t have happened alone.
Established in 2012, the programme has facilitated over 150 artist-researcher partnerships, spanning a wide range of disciplines that push boundaries, from biochemical engineers working with choreographers to hip-hop dancers teaming up with economists. Each residency lasts for two months, but pairings often continue to work together once the residency ends.
For example, Dr Briony Thomas from the School of Mechanical Engineering and Kenneth Tindall met during the 2020 virtual edition of the programme. Their collaboration has continued beyond the initial residency, having won the Royal Academy of Engineering Award in 2023.
During the East Street Arts Edition, Dr Zoe Tongue from the School of Law and Herfa Martina Thompson. In 2024, held an exhibition at East Street Arts titled "Visualising Utopia" and this has since led to further opportunities.
Taking part in Leeds Creative Labs has helped me develop as an artist, and apply for larger grants, after this work, I was able to apply for, and exhibit new work, at Sunny Bank Mills.
Over the years, Leeds Creative Labs has partnered with various organisations and departments in and outside of the University to deliver different iterations of the programme, enriched with additional resources and opportunities for participants. These have included East Street Arts, The Hepworth Wakefield, Bradford Producing Hub, Priestley Centre for Climate Futures and the Smeaton 300 project ran in collaboration with the School of Engineering.
Read previous stories
- Spotlight on Leeds Creative Labs
- Leeds and Northern Ballet project wins prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering award
- Leeds Creative Labs Follow-On Fund recipients announced
- Bradford Producing Hub and Leeds Cultural Institute award £3k follow-on fund to innovative art-science collaboration
- Introducing the Leeds Creative Labs Partnerships.