Whilst we search for a new permanent home, we’re continuing to deliver on our mission without a venue – providing opportunities for people to engage with contemporary art locally, nationally and internationally.
What happened?
The previous owners of the Tetley building, Carlsberg UK, agreed to a free lease over ten years ago and continued to manage the upkeep of the building – maintaining the neon lights, installing a new roof and more.
In 2022, we successfully secured capital development funding from Arts Council England to contribute to the development and fit-out of The Tetley building for its ongoing use as an art gallery. However in 2023 we learned that the new owners had other long-term plans for the building.
Since then, we’ve been working hard to identify a new home in Leeds with several partners, collaborating on what seemed like very promising outcomes – but due to the financial climate these plans have not materialised.
The Tetley building made all sorts of things possible for us. We welcomed over a million visitors, presented Yorkshire’s only Turner Prize winning exhibition, supported artists in developing their careers and reached thousands of children and families through our Tiny Tetley Studio and workshops. We’re immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved.
What’s happening now?
We’re in close communication with our key partners, Arts Council England and Leeds City Council as we look to the future. Our priority is to continue our mission as a charity as we search for a new home. Our ongoing work includes:
- Presenting ambitious, free contemporary art exhibitions across Leeds, Yorkshire and beyond
- Commissioning public art – both permanent and temporary
- Collaborating with communities and artists to provide new play opportunities for children
- Working internationally to foster links between artists and audiences across the globe
Many projects are already underway – read about Inside Out, our south Leeds art and play project in collaboration with Hamara Healthy Living Centre and Rowland Road WMC, or Town Island, artist Benaiah Matheson’s presentation supported by us to go to the Venice Biennale.
To mark this new chapter, we’ll announce a new name and identity later in 2024.
We believe in the power and importance of contemporary art – and it’s what we’ll continue to champion, support and make happen.
So, we’ll see you soon. Not at The Tetley, but perhaps at the train station; in your nearby community centre; your local park; or across the streets of our city.
