Apply now to lead LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture

LEEDS 2023 will be a year like no other, with 12 signature events and a variety of creative experiences happening all over our city. Leeds Culture Trust, the charity behind LEEDS 2023, plans to champion all forms of creativity that take place every day in Leeds’s diverse communities.

And they are looking for an exceptional individual to take the helm as chair and help deliver an extraordinary Year of Culture in 2023.

The right candidate will be a high-profile, confident and creative leader who will act as a passionate advocate and ambassador for LEEDS 2023, and the city.

The trust is on the hunt for someone who can articulate its vision and win support from a wide range of audiences, ranging from national and regional political stakeholders, funders and business to the diverse communities across the city.

The new chair will support the executive team, led by CEO and Creative Director Kully Thiarai, to deliver the business plan by leading the charity’s governance processes, and by supporting the wider team to build lasting partnerships in the public, private and third sectors.

This voluntary position will be supported by a very active and experienced board of trustees and a company secretary.

LEEDS 2023 is set to be an explosion of colour, noise and brilliance: with an emphasis on creating, making, performing, running, baking, eating, sharing, singing, speaking, playing and much more, the ambition is for every person in Leeds to benefit.

From dance to design, art to architecture, poetry to pop, sculpture to sport, grassroots community theatre to performances on our world-class stages, there will be something for everyone, no matter where you live or what you like.

“LEEDS 2023 will be a catalyst for transformation; one that brings people together to participate, celebrate and see the world afresh. It also will be a massive team effort locally, regionally, nationally and internationally," says Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and Chief Executive LEEDS 2023.

"We want to dispel any narrow definitions of art and culture, unlocking opportunities for every child and resident in all 33 Leeds wards to be part of 365 days of cultural celebrations that will see the West Yorkshire city’s future transformed, and we look forward to welcoming a chair that can help us achieve our vision."

The closing date for applications is Monday, October 18, at 5pm; interviews will take place the week commencing Monday, October 25.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit https://leeds2023.co.uk/get-involved/join-the-team-become-our-new-chair-of-the-board.

Discover more about LEEDS 2023 at https://leeds2023.co.uk.