Tetley closure leaves Leeds emptier

Leeds Liberal Democrats express profound disappointment at the closure of the Tetley art gallery, a beloved cultural institution that has played a significant role in shaping the vibrant cultural landscape of Leeds. For the last decade, the Tetley has stood as a beacon of creativity and a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage, making an invaluable contribution to the Leeds cultural scene.

It is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the irony of this situation, when with a multi-million-pound budget at its disposal, Leeds 2023 Year of Culture had the opportunity and the means to support this iconic venue, ensuring that it continued to thrive as a cultural hub for generations to come.

In the face of this closure, Leeds Liberal Democrats urge Leeds City Council to be more vigilant in its commitment to preserving the city's cultural heritage. It is essential that better-targeted investments are made to safeguard the cultural institutions that define Leeds, ensuring that they remain accessible and inspirational for all.

Leeds Liberal Democrats firmly believe that culture should be at the heart of any community, enriching lives, fostering creativity, and uniting people from all walks of life. We call upon the city leaders and cultural advisers to reevaluate their priorities, allocating resources to better protect and nurture the very essence of Leeds' identity – its art, heritage, and creative spirit.

Liberal Democrat Group leader Cllr Stewart Golton observed “The closure of the Tetley Art Gallery is not the epitaph for Leeds 2023 Year of Culture that any of us would have wished for.”


Header image by Dave Pickersgill on georgraph.org.uk CC-BY-SA