Join now Donate

Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

Learn More

About the Society

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, founded in 1819, is a charity that promotes interest in science, literature and the arts – in the city of Leeds and beyond. We have meetings, lectures, entertainments, publications and visits.

Learn More

Left Bank Opera and Festival

The Phil & Lit has awarded four grants to support young performers at the Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Road.

The Phil & Lit has awarded four grants to support young performers at the Left Bank Leeds, Cardigan Road – a redundant church that’s become a successful cultural venue. The Society supported a five-day festival in 2018, with performances by Northern Opera Group, lectures, discussions and participatory sessions. The festival attracted wide audiences, including many younger people who had never been to Left Bank Leeds before.

Reported in the 2019 Annual Review

Other projects & stories you may be interested in...

Rodley Nature Reserve

Leeds – a biographical dictionary

Upcoming events

20 Jan 2022

Yorkshire – devolution or division?

A talk that explores the relationship between central and local government in the UK's largest county
16 Feb 2022

Does Colour Exist?

A vividly illustrated talk exploring our understanding of colour

Latest news

29 November 2021

Reith Lectures 2021

If you enjoyed our lectures on Artificial Intelligence you might want to listen to/read this year's Reith Lectures on this topical subject.

Explore more

Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

Events

Since 1819, the Phil & Lit has been inviting the people of Leeds to hear from knowledgeable and entertaining speakers. Many are leaders in their field of science, arts or current affairs. We also hold an annual Science Fair and organise occasional visits. Becoming a member means that you’ll receive invitations to all these activities. In future, we plan to have a mix of real and virtual events.