Leeds City College launches second round of arts funding

The initiative, funded by Luminate Education Group, was created to offer support to new and developing creatives across the region, who work in disciplines covered by the School of Creative Arts at Quarry Hill Campus.

College students will be encouraged to develop their learning by supporting the process and execution of the projects.

Richard Lee, head of media and performance production at Leeds City College, said: “We saw some outstanding creatives apply for the first wave of funding and we were incredibly impressed by their inspirational projects, so we’re really excited to see the next round of applicants.”

First introduced in March, the fund aims to bridge a gap in the system between leaving education and securing funding from national bodies for creative projects.

During the first round of funding, five local artists were chosen to receive £3k each for their projects. Leeds-based band Polo will be accessing the fund to create their first album with the help of college students.

Local painter Lydia Blakeley has been chosen with her project ‘Vocation’, involving a student portrait exhibition at Quarry Hill’s public gallery BLANK_.

The fund will also be supporting street literature group Found Fiction with its ‘Street Stories’ project, a female-led podcast and a visual performance based on Quarry Hill’s community living.

Mr Lee added: "We’re committed to raising the profile of new creatives across the district by giving them the opportunity to access a bespoke arts fund.

"We hope the fund will also raise the aspirations of our students, who will be participating in the selected projects.”

Applications for the Arts Fund will open on July 1 and close on July 31.