A new report has revealed that council-run museums and galleries in Leeds have generated an impressive £41.7 million for the local economy over the past year.
Compiled by Leeds Museums and Galleries, the report highlights the significant economic impact of these popular attractions, which have also played a crucial role in boosting local employment and supporting businesses and schools. According to the report, nearly a million visitors were welcomed by the service during the last financial year.
Among them were over 47,000 school pupils and 109,312 children who participated in activities and explored some of the 1.3 million objects in the city’s remarkable collection. Additionally, the service’s innovative efforts to engage audiences online resulted in a remarkable 3.9 million page views on its website. The report also notes that grant funding applications brought in £2,365,364 in external funding to benefit Leeds.
Leeds Museums and Galleries have compiled figures to evaluate the positive impact of their sites on the city and region, considering factors such as overall spending both on and off-site, employment contributions, and the purchase of local goods and services. Operating eight unique sites across Leeds, the service provides a blend of history, art, and science, attracting nearly a million visitors each year.
The eight sites under Leeds Museums and Galleries include Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Temple Newsam House, Lotherton Hall, Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Industrial Museum, and the Leeds Discovery Centre. Each location offers its own distinct narrative, from the fine art collections at Leeds Art Gallery to the historical artifacts at Leeds City Museum, and the industrial heritage preserved at Leeds Industrial Museum. With an annual budget of approximately £5 million, the new data highlights that the service generates around £8 for every £1 invested, costing just £4.88 per year for each resident of Leeds.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“It’s well known that our museums and galleries give hundreds of thousands of visitors and families each year an unforgettable visitor experience and help raise the positive profile of our city as a cultural destination both regionally and internationally.
“But it’s also important to recognise the huge contribution museums, arts and culture make to the local economy, attracting not only visitors to the city, but inward investment, job creation and education and training opportunities.
“Add to that the positive impact these sites have on residents’ wellbeing in Leeds, through volunteering opportunities and a programme of free, community-based activities, and the wider benefits of having such a thriving and innovative museums and galleries service simply cannot be overstated.”
In addition to its physical exhibitions, Leeds Museums and Galleries has embraced digital innovation, making its collections and educational resources more accessible than ever before. The service’s website has seen millions of page views, as visitors explore online exhibitions, virtual tours, and educational materials.
Leeds Industrial Museum has also featured the ‘Engineery’ exhibition, which delves into the history of civil engineering and its profound impact on the world. The exhibition includes artifacts that highlight the life and contributions of Leeds’s own John Smeaton. In addition to these exhibitions, the service has earned several prestigious awards over the past 12 months. Leeds City Museum’s ‘A Hip Hop Journey: 50 Years Of Kulture’ and The Preservative Party, a group of young curators, both received accolades at the Museums and Heritage Awards.
As Leeds Museums and Galleries continue to evolve, they remain committed to preserving the city’s heritage while making history, art, and culture accessible to all. Whether through visiting one of their many sites or exploring their online offerings, there is always something new to discover.
To learn more about Leeds Museums and Galleries, please visit www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
