Placemaking

Kirklees Council is being urged to put a proposed second option for its town centre cultural development out for public consultation.

Think Tank Same Skies recently argued that a temporary scheme that offered free rents of empty shops to local arts groups should be extended. The piazza is to be demolished as part of the £210m 'cultural heart' plan.

It says the council should put its idea to the public: "Why not explore both options side by side?"

Architects have just released mock-ups of the council's plans for the area, which include a 2,200 seat concert hall.

The University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University will lead a strand of the LEEDS 2023 programme with the support of other local educators.

Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Arts University, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Luminate Education Group have also signed on to be "gold partners", offering events and opportunities to participate in the placemaking festival.

LEEDS 2023 Creative Director Kully Thirai said the partnerships aim to show that Leeds is "an exceptional city for anyone that wants a creative education".

"We will work with our education partners to create opportunities for those already studying in the city to be part of something that’s one-in-generation, and to attract more young talent to study, work and continue to create here."

Leeds University's involvement was first announced last year. It is working to establish a National Poetry Centre that will host several LEEDS 2023 activities and events.

Vice-Chancellor Simone Buitendijk said its Cultural Institute, which is leading on the project, will foster collaborations between the city's creative sectors and its students.

Eight places longlisted to become UK City of Culture in 2025 handed in their bids this week.

Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Southampton, Stirling, Wrexham, and a coalition of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon were each given £40,000 to develop their applications before the deadline on Wednesday (February 2).

The competitors have been tight-lipped about their plans for the most part. Cornwall said its bid is "a call to action about how we all need to address the environment crisis", whilst Southampton is planning a giant circus show for its opening ceremony if selected.

DCMS will now consider the applications. A shortlist is expected next month, with a winner to be announced in May.

Lewisham’s Borough of Culture programme has begun.

Performances and workshops took place across the South London borough on Friday (January 28), including the projection of film We Are Lewisham in three local areas, plus Piccadilly Circus, in the evening.

Organisers say the year will be full of opportunities to get involved, showcasing local talent and offering young Lewisham residents chances to gain skills in the creative industries.

The official programme promises to celebrate the area’s diverse communities, legacy and history of activism.
    
“It is big and bold, created with local people, and sets the tone for what will be a wonderful, celebratory, inclusive year,” Mayor of Lewisham Damien Egan said.

“Art truly will be everywhere in the borough, showing the very best of what Lewisham has to offer.”