How LEEDS 2023 is placing Yorkshire on the cultural map - Euan West

The Awakening launched an unprecedented schedule of cultural works this year that celebrate the diversity, creativity and ambition of the city of Leeds. I have to admit that the emotion of the event was tremendous, a heady mix of pride, excitement and a sense of belonging.

That ability to connect is a core principle of LEEDS 2023. It aims to bring us together through that emotional bond we share through culture.

As a sponsor of the programme, we’re privileged to be supporting the delivery of LEEDS 2023. I’ve been bowled over by the level of engagement I’ve seen from our teams – a hugely positive experience. But, what does that mean for business?

Quite simply, we should never underestimate the hunger of our colleagues to help others and make an impact on society.

Furthermore, a platform that gives people the freedom to express themselves unlocks skills and talents not seen before. As businesses look to navigate this turbulent economic climate, the most successful will be those that learn from what cultural programmes like LEEDS 2023 can do to fulfil potential.

Yet, this isn’t really the business community right now and our generation.

The real challenge of this endeavour is to open up more opportunities for young people, not least those in the most under-represented areas. I passionately believe that there is so much more that can be done to untap the true potential of children in this city, and throughout the country.LEEDS 2023 can open their eyes to how they can access new exciting opportunities, revealing the art of the possible. It is about making the unimaginable, real.

Nowhere will that be more tangible than in the upcoming My LEEDS 2023 taking place this summer across all 33 wards in the city, where each of the LEEDS 2023 Neighbourhood Hosts will host events celebrating the stories and culture from within their ward, bringing the celebration directly to people across the entire city. Such initiatives will help change perceptions and make a material difference to the fabric and future of our city.

That’s why the true value of LEEDS 2023 can’t be measured in attendance figures, column inches or GVA. Instead, it will be a generation to come before we really feel the true force of these events. In the meantime, for all of us that live and work in the city region, we need to do all we can to make it the success it is set to be. We owe it to the city’s future.

So, with the weather turning (hopefully), there really is no excuse not to get involved and soak up this wonderful cultural programme. But, as you’re enjoying some poetry, a film or workshop, take a moment to step back, witness and appreciate the power of culture.

The ability to convene, cut through social barriers and engage is extraordinary and should inspire all of us to play our own part in making that change a reality.

Euan West, Office Senior Partner at KPMG Leeds