Impact & Data
We’ve worked with partners and audiences to calculate the reach and engagement of LEEDS 2023.
Our impact
Working with The Audience Agency, the Centre for Cultural Value, Open Innovations, BOP Consulting and our audiences and partners, we’ve evaluated LEEDS 2023 activities to understand our reach and engagement.
A full evaluation of Leeds' Year of Culture will be available in late 2024. In the meantime here are some of our initial findings.
Figures on this page are early indications and are subject to change when the full evaluation is released. The source button will take you to a page on our data site which provides a little more information about each metric.
Our Impact on the City
An unforgettable year in our own backyard.
Throughout the year, we put on a series of creative projects collaborating with cultural partners, artists and communities to create an inspiring, inclusive year with, by and for the people of Leeds.
Events were produced by LEEDS 2023 across every Council Ward in Leeds
Projects delivered as part of LEEDS 2023
Artists engaged with the programme delivery
Cultural Partners in Leeds, nationally and internationally collaborated on the programme
Developing Skills
You could learn all sorts of skills as part of LEEDS 2023. How to build a barn or a website. How to produce a podcast or a gig. How to code a game, market an event, be more sustainable. From paid on-the-job learning to workshops and online courses, as well as opportunities to volunteer on our large scale events, there was a lot to learn during LEEDS 2023.
Volunteers
gave up their free time to support LEEDS 2023
Giving back to the city
Whether out and about at events or supporting behind the scenes, the Year of Culture couldn't have been such a success without the support of our volunteers. They had the unique chance to take part in some amazing experiences, meet incredible people and be part of the culture of the city.
"I've lost count of the number of handshakes, hugs and fist bumps I’ve had. LEEDS 2023 has given me the opportunity to meet literally hundreds of people from a huge range of backgrounds, I’ve had informative and interesting chats, deep meaningful conversations and some exchanges which could only be described as surreal." A LEEDS 2023 volunteer.
Our Impact Supporting Cultural Education
By developing a free, inclusive creative learning programme we offered children and young people a chance to take part in the Year of Culture.
From creative workshops and participatory challenges to classroom resources and activities, there was something for every key stage. All of it linked back to the curriculum, so students’ experiences aligned with learning goals.
pupils engaged
with LEEDS 2023 activities with schools
A Celebration of Inclusivity and Enrichment
"The Year of Culture presented an incredible opportunity for our school to engage with the broader cultural community of Leeds and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts and heritage among our students." - Daniel West, Moor Allerton Hall Primary School
Reach and Engagement
Our programme has brought together people locally, nationally and internationally. From live major events to online digital experiences, the city has been alive with activities for everyone.
Unique views of the LEEDS 2023 website from 1 Aug 2022 - 1 Jan 2024
Pieces of editorial coverage from 1 Jan 2023 - 5 Jan 2024
LEEDS 2023 Reports
Check back here from late 2024 to read the full LEEDS 2023 evaluation report. In the meantime, read reports where LEEDS 2023 has been featured as a case study.
Inclusive Growth Network: Culture and creative industries: A catalyst for inclusive growth
Read the report
SAIL Sustainability reports
Read the SAIL sustainability reports
Explore more data
LEEDS 2023 has collected and shared open data relating to the year’s programme. It’s available to explore on our data site.