As we start to wind down for the year, we’ve also been busy looking ahead and 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting one for Leeds33. From new opportunities for young people, to chances for educators and cultural leaders to connect, collaborate and shape future programmes, there’s a lot on the horizon.
We would love for you to be part of it.
Whether you’re a school, a cultural organisation, or someone passionate about creativity in Leeds, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help us build meaningful cultural opportunities for young people across the city.
Creative Oracy in Practice: A Cross-Sector Networking Afternoon
Join Leeds33 on Wednesday 11 February 2026 (1.00–4pm) for a cross-sector networking afternoon bringing together schools and cultural education providers to explore creative approaches to speaking and listening in classroom practice.
This subsidised event (£100 per participant) is designed as a space for honest conversation, shared learning and collaboration. Teachers will have the opportunity to talk openly about the realities of developing oracy in schools, share practice they are proud of, and help shape future creative offers. Cultural education providers will share the work they are doing across Leeds and outline the creative programmes and approaches they have available for schools.
The afternoon will include structured speed networking, a teacher-led overview of oracy in the curriculum, and a guest contribution from Adam Power-Anand (CEO, Speech Bubbles), sharing insights from the Speech Bubbles model and its impact on creative oracy practice.
Places are limited to ensure a balanced mix of schools and providers.
Leeds Cultural Leaders Callout
We are looking for a small number of senior leaders from cultural institutions based in Leeds to join a facilitated industry roundtable as part of our upcoming Youth Leadership Lab.
Across two days in the last two weeks of January, a cohort of 15 young people (18–24) will be exploring communication, advocacy and governance. Creating a space where they can meet real decision-makers, ask questions, hear honest stories and understand the many routes into the sector.
We are asking leaders to donate just a few hours to take part in the Cultural Leadership Roundtable. This will be the closing activity of the lab and will be relaxed, facilitated and designed to be meaningful for you as well as the participants.
This is a chance to connect with Leeds33, support emerging voices and help shape the next generation of cultural leaders in our city.
If you’re interested in joining the conversation, or want to know a little more, please get in touch. We’d love to have you with us.
Future Projects with Leeds33
In 2023, we piloted a successful schools project called Culture on Your Doorstep with the University of Leeds. This programme brought artists to schools and took children out of the classroom to be inspired by their surroundings.
Next year, we want to work with 6 new primary schools across Leeds. This initiative will help schools explore and celebrate the local culture that surrounds their pupils. From neighbourhood stories to creative heritage. Building meaningful links with artists and cultural partners. First, we must prove to our funders that there is an appetite – so, we’re looking start conversations with schools about what the programme could mean for their students.
Looking ahead, we hope to facilitate the development of “The Thirty Three” a group of young cultural representatives (one from each ward) who will champion access to creativity across the city.
All this can and should be done in conversation with schools and educators, shaping programmes that genuinely support your work and your pupils.
If you or your school would like get involved or learn more about the projects please complete the form below.
