Our aim is to transform this run down terraced property in inner city Leeds into a vibrant and sustainable centre of excellence for Arts and Health; it will be state of the art facility acting as a hub for Artlink’s work across the region, providing a creative arts venue which serves the local community and a wide range of vulnerable people.

After refurbishment the building will be 341 m² (gross internal floor area) on four floors comprising: a creative ICT suite, an additional flexible training / meeting room, a lettable art / design studio, ample storage and office space, an arts workshop with wet facilities, a lettable meeting space / exhibition area, an informal social/meeting area with associated kitchen leading into the rear garden, toilets on all floors, lift to all floors.

Artlink works with statutory and voluntary sector partners to provide creative arts activities and events for a wide range disadvantaged groups: We work extensively with groups within the local and neighbouring communities (Hyde Park/Little London/Burley).

We also work extensively across the deprived inner city wards in Leeds. Artlink West Yorkshire has a strong track record of working with many of the most disadvantages groups in West Yorkshire with established partnerships in Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford etc. In addition to practical work with individual groups we play an important strategic role in Leeds and in the region to raise the profile of arts and health, particularly arts and mental health, to train artists to work with special needs groups and to promote best practice in arts and health delivery.

We have applied to Big Lottery Community Buildings for half this total amount i.e. £379,965. We will know the result of Stage 1 of this application in August/September.

We have already submitted applications to and/or are optimistic of future support from Wolfson Foundation, City Council area funds, Lankelly Trust, Low Carbon Buildings programme. Note that most wish to see us secure 50% from a major source before making a commitment themselves.
Subtotal; £212,000

We have already secured firm offers of support from City Council Social Services, a local sponsor and the Foundation for Sports and Arts; £41,000

Request to Arts Council for support for arts refurbishment and public art works and consultation; £99,099.38

We will continue fundraising for the balance required from trusts, local fundraising and partner contributions. £27,865.62