As part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary edition, Leeds International Film Festival are commissioning artwork from a Leeds-based artist. The artwork will be used on the front cover of the printed LIFF Guide, a very popular 100-page free publication circulated throughout Leeds and across Yorkshire. The full artwork and elements of it will also be used in outdoor advertising, on posters, on the website and social media, on screen during the film festival, and in other marketing.

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Seasons of Culture 2026 Funding Programme.

This new initiative funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority will support one off creative projects that connect with nature and encourage communities to engage with green and blue spaces. The programme focuses on arts and creative activity that promotes active travel, nature recovery, and creative practice inspired by the natural environment.

Theme for 2026: Nature

Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds, SARSVL, the Rape Crisis Centre for Leeds, is running a photo competition, launched on International Women's Day, called Powerful and Peaceful Places. 

East Street Arts present Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise, a major photography exhibition by Fadi A. Thabet, with Bethlehem Cultural Festival and East Street Arts from 17 April until 9 May 2026. The touring exhibition will launch on Friday, 17 April, and brings together a powerful body of work tracing everyday life in Gaza.

Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise presents an intimate visual narrative of life, resilience, and humanity in Gaza, through photographer Fadi A. Thabet’s own lived experience and unique viewpoint.

Pyramid is a Leeds-based arts charity that helps adults with learning disabilities and autism discover the arts and grow as artists. Throughout 2025, Pyramid’s Visioning Group worked with Leeds Art Gallery to create Pyramid View On... John Atkinson Grimshaw, a collaborative artistic response to the work of John Atkinson Grimshaw.

The Visioning group is made up of seven artists with and without learning disabilities and autism. Four members of the group, James, William, Alice and Rosie, played a key role in curating the exhibition.

Applications Now Open for the Culture Rising Student Runway Award.

2026 is National Year of Reading and Libraries are at the heart of it, find out here what Leeds Libraries have in store.

Out of Many People is delighted to announce its first festival of Black literature for children and young adult readers in Yorkshire on Saturday 14 February 2026 at Leeds Central Library.

Likkle Lit Fest at Leeds Central Library will feature interactive family-friendly workshops by beloved children’s authors and illustrators, a National Poetry Centre crafting session making poetry from recycled print, a Black artisan marketplace and intergenerational storytelling.

“Photo North festival has something magical - this may sound like a cliche but it's different to other photography festivals. There is an atmosphere of equality, informality and mutual support and of course, a great programme of exhibitions and talks.” Visitor

Photo North Festival is back with world renowned and emerging artists prepare to exhibit at Photo North Festival #7 13-15 March 2026, The Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds..

On 13 July 2026, Leeds marks an extraordinary milestone - 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. This historic moment set Leeds on its path to self-governance and city status, shaping the vibrant, diverse city we know today.

Leeds400 is a year-long celebration that launched in November 2025. It invites residents, communities, and visitors to come together and celebrate Leeds’ rich heritage and future.