Leeds groundbreaking Hip Hop exhibition claims global award

‘A Hip Hop Journey: 50 Years Of Kulture‘ was shown at Leeds City Museum from July 2023 until March 2024, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first block party and formation of kulture.

Co-curated with Leeds Museums and Galleries and the volunteer-run Hip Hop Historian Society, the exhibition showcased the history of the groundbreaking movement and its impact in Leeds, for the very first time.

Working with inspirational local artists, renowned record shops, and communities from Leeds and Yorkshire, the exhibition brought together stories and objects which celebrate the creativity of Hip Hop and its values of justice, peace, respect, self-worth and community.

It has now been internationally recognised by receiving the award for Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year (Budget under £80k) at the Museums + Heritage Awards.

The global awards celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions and took place on Wednesday night (May 15) in London.

The event also saw Leeds Museums and Galleries Learning and Access team receive a high commendation for the Museums and Heritage Sector Impact Award. The team is one of the sector leaders for inclusive museum and gallery-based learning.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “This exhibition was a great addition to our LEEDS2023 programme and I’m delighted to hear it has won an award.

“It really showcased Leeds’ rich cultural history and took visitors on a true journey and the award is well deserved.”

Esther Amis-Hughes, community engagement manager at Leeds Museums and Galleries, said: “We are delighted to have won the award and are very proud to have built a strong relationship with the Hip Hop Historian Society over the years.

“The exhibition was a great success with visitors and staff, and a testament to collaborative community-based partnerships. ‘A Hip Hop Journey’ was a true labour of love, and this is what made it such an exciting community-led exhibition. But more than that, it showed how museums can break the mould, be truly open to sharing diverse stories, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Lee Arnold (King Monk), founder of the Hip Hop Historian Society, said: “An incredible achievement for the Hip Hop Historian Society. We are proud to be a small community led group that has had such massive and prestigious global impact. The success is the fruit of several decades of planning and hard work and it is just the start of so many more to come.”

ENDS