Celebrating Leeds’ diverse histories, heritage and stories

The Leeds Civic Trust Community Heritage Fund invested over £140,000 in 8 Leeds Community Organisations in 2022. During the 2-year grants, more than 1,550 people have taken part in grassroots activity that celebrates the best of Leeds and our diverse communities. 

A wide range of projects were delivered, from uncovering the hidden heritage of a former cinema in Beeston, to sharing unheard stories of South Asian communities in Leeds, to acknowledging the lives of people over 50 through ‘Everyday Stories’. 

Taking part in the projects meant 441 people felt a stronger sense of belonging to their community, and 245 said they had stronger social connections. 261 people also said they developed a more positive attitude to other people in their communities. 

One organisation, Balbir Singh Dance Company, used their grant to deliver a project called Roots and Routes Over Time. The project was a community arts initiative, exploring the heritage of Gledhow Valley Woods, and involved Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods and the Association of Blind Asians. 

Participants used choreography to narrate the landscape’s history and their personal stories, with public performances throughout 2022 and 2023. The work was documented through photos, audio and video, as well as an outdoor exhibition which enabled participants to share their creative achievements with a broader audience. 

More than 170 people took part in the project, learning much about themselves and the heritage of their local woods. 

We partnered with Leeds Civic Trust again in 2023, addressing the theme ‘Celebration of Place’ through the Leeds Civic Trust Community Fund. 6 organisations received a share of £100,000, and you can read more about the awards here.