Leeds lockdown 2: City's performing arts community issues message of solidarity and hope

Leeds's performing arts community has come together to issue a message of solidarity and hope as the city enters a new lockdown.
More than 20 arts organisations have come together to put their name to the statement of solidarity and hope.More than 20 arts organisations have come together to put their name to the statement of solidarity and hope.
More than 20 arts organisations have come together to put their name to the statement of solidarity and hope.

More than 20 arts organisations have come together to put their name to the statement of solidarity and hope as Leeds and the rest of the country enters the second national lockdown.

Signatories include Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 2023, Leeds Town Hall, Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Ballet, Northern Opera Group,

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Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Riley Theatre, Open Source Arts, Opera North, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Slung Low, Wrongsemble and Yorkshire Dance.

Opera North performing Whistle Stop Opera Hansel and Gretel at The Holbeck. PIC: Tom ArberOpera North performing Whistle Stop Opera Hansel and Gretel at The Holbeck. PIC: Tom Arber
Opera North performing Whistle Stop Opera Hansel and Gretel at The Holbeck. PIC: Tom Arber
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The joint statement in full reads: “We are naturally very disappointed to have to shut our doors once again, so soon after re-opening. It has been clear from the numbers of people who have returned to our theatres, clubs, gigs and other venues, that the people of Leeds have missed live performance and cultural events just as much as we have missed creating

extraordinary experiences for all of us to enjoy. Given the worrying rise in infections, however, we recognise the need to protect the health of as many people as possible

in our communities.”

“In such uncertain times, the one thing that remains certain is our commitment to apply our imagination to find new ways to connect creatively with one another. With the welcome support from the Cultural Recovery Fund, the Council and other trusts and foundations, we have already taken up the challenge of reaching audiences in new socially-distant ways, leading to exciting and unusual collaborations.

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"From experiencing opera in the car park at the Holbeck, to intimate evenings of beatboxing and poetry at the Playhouse and live outdoor theatre for children and families in

Harehills, we have forged new collaborations and trialled different ways of entertaining audiences. We’ve also witnessed new bands and artists popping up that

have been developing during lockdown.

“Our rich ecosystem of relationships, skills and talent is interlinked at every level. Here in Leeds several cultural organisations have been able to commit to supporting

freelance colleagues and we hope that further support can be found for our freelancers and independent artists on whom we all depend.”

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Culture not only brings comfort and joy to all those who experience it, but it delivers educational and health and wellbeing impacts. Much of our education and community outreach work has continued throughout 2020 and will continue during this new period of lockdown. This work includes free story books for kids in south Leeds; educational resources for schools; playwriting for young people; a ‘Theatre of Sanctuary’ programme for refugees and people seeking asylum.”

“And while the physical doors are shut, we remain very much open to anyone who wants to get involved with our work. There are many ways - both online and offline - that people can support venues and organisations: signing up as a Friend; buying a gift membership for a loved one; gifting Slung Low’s children’s book and with Christmas approaching, we’re backing the #BuyLeeds campaign that will help save jobs for local people so we all have culture to come back to.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This has already been an incredibly tough and challenging year for our creative sector and we know the prospect of another lockdown will be a daunting and worrying prospect for the cultural community in Leeds.

“Make no mistake, the scale of the challenges we face right now as a city cannot be underestimated and every day, we are working together to ensure Leeds emerges from this crisis with the unique identity it has built over generations intact.

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“As we fight the impact of this terrible virus, we have taken heart from our talented arts venues, cultural institutions and communities, who have responded in so many

innovative and inventive ways to give comfort, light and entertainment to thousands of people waging their own individual battles each and every day across the city.

“In these dark times, the value of culture and its power to enrich lives and bring hope is more valuable than ever and we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with

the creative sector, lending our help and support wherever and however we can and encouraging the people of Leeds to do the same.”

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Laura Collins

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