Live Leeds events and performances to receive post-lockdown boost with arts and culture grants

Leeds Inspired LIVE has launched the new funding package to help the city's economic and cultural post-pandemic recovery.

From today (Monday), local groups and organisations can apply for the funding which ranges from £500 up to £2,500.

It aims to encourage live audiences back into the city and local centres and will offer support to those including artists, venues, performers and event planners.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy and culture, said: “Live events have always been such a crucial part of what makes Leeds tick and we know how much people have missed that unique buzz of experiencing a live performance over the past year.

“It has also been an incredibly tough time for our cultural and creative sector, with many of their activities being curtailed by the pandemic, and they have shown inspiring resilience and invention to adapt and keep going.

“This support package will be the catalyst for the creation of a new programme of safe, live events tailored for post-lockdown Leeds which will simultaneously give our creative and cultural sector a lift while also boosting our local economy and giving people an added incentive to enjoy Leeds.”

The Leeds Inspired LIVE grants scheme will complement the existing Leeds inspired grant scheme which will continue to support local arts and cultural organisations each month.

It is part of a series of measures that Leeds City Council is taking to support businesses and boost footfall after lockdown.

Another initiative includes the ReDiscover Leeds campaign through Visit Leeds which is aimed at boosting visitor numbers throughout summer and Christmas 2021.

There is also support for #BuyLeeds, which encourages shoppers and consumers to shop and buy local.

For more details on Leeds Inspired LIVE, including how to apply for a grant, click here.