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At Leeds Arts University, Curation and Library Services are at the heart of a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, research, and public engagement. The Library and Blenheim Walk Gallery function as interconnected spaces that support creative inquiry, critical discourse, and the production and sharing of knowledge. Through exhibitions, handling sessions, research-led projects, and learning opportunities, we aim to make knowledge visible, accessible, and inspiring for all.
The Blenheim Walk Gallery serves as a key space for contemporary art exhibitions, fostering critical engagement with diverse artistic research practices. Alongside this, the University’s collections and archives—including the Special Collection, Art Collection, and historical records—provide a rich resource for students, researchers, and the wider public.
Leeds Arts University Collections
With a rich history spanning over 170 years, Leeds Arts University has nurtured generations of artists, designers, and creatives, including internationally recognised alumni. Over time, the University has developed a diverse range of collections, which serve as vital resources for research, learning, and creative exploration.
Art Collection
Since obtaining university status in 2017, Leeds Arts University has taken significant steps to curate, manage, and develop its Art Collection. This effort is part of a broader strategy within Curation and Library Services to manage and further develop the historical special collections housed within the institution.
The remit of Leeds Arts University collection is to:
Reflect and inform research practice, and to draw on the history and impact of the institution and its alumni. Works and archival documents within the collection represent the contribution of alumni or other artists with direct links to the University and its creative legacy.
Archive and Special Collection
The University Library houses a significant Special Collection of rare and unique artist publications predominantly from the late 20th century to the present day. Alongside this, the University Archive preserves historical records and ephemera dating from 1846, offering invaluable insights into the institution’s long-standing artistic and academic legacy.
These collections are integrated into the student learning experience through:
Handling sessions and workshops with staff and students
Collaborative projects with staff and students
Exhibitions showcasing selected works open to all
Individual access upon request for research and study (only for registered library users)
For more details on what we collect and how these collections are managed, please refer to our Archive Management and Development Policy and Special Collection Management and Development Policy.
Image: ‘Mixed Up: Music and the Art School’, installation view at Blenheim Walk Gallery, Leeds Arts University, 2025. Image: Jules Lister Photography