Burberry links with Leeds 2023 to celebrate culture in West Yorkshire

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Dec 6, 2022

Burberry is expanding its cultural and community credentials, announcing a partnership with Leeds 2023. The luxury fashion house has tied itself into a year-long celebration with the city of Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region as Leeds 2023 “spotlights how creativity and greater access to cultural experiences can open opportunities for all”. 

The landmark year will be punctuated by 12 major signature projects – original works produced by Leeds 2023 – and include hundreds of events and activities “where communities, companies and a host of volunteers will come together in an inclusive city-wide celebration. 

As part of the partnership, Burberry will support a number of creative learning initiatives next summer, including Smeaton300 – a creative events programme inspired by the legacy of East Leeds civil engineer and astronomer John Smeaton, “which will unite inventive minds across engineering, science, industry and the arts”. 

“Supporting creative education is a natural continuation of the brand’s ongoing partnership with schools throughout the region, which has included industry-leading initiatives like ‘Burberry Inspire’," the retailer said. 

Supported by The Burberry Foundation, the ‘Burberry Inspire’ programme brought students together with leading arts and cultural institutions -- including Leeds Young Film, Northern Ballet and The Hepworth Wakefield -- to empower young people to immerse themselves in the arts and uncover their creative potential.

“As a modern British luxury brand with roots in West Yorkshire – including an office in Leeds, a factory in Castleford, and a mill in Keighley – Burberry is proud to celebrate a city so profoundly connected to its business”, it said.

Rob Blomfield, VP of Global Business Services, Burberry added: “The West Yorkshire region is a hub of creativity and innovation and has played such a profound part in shaping our business."