New multi-use arts space set to open this weekend at Leeds Central Library

An exciting new multi-use arts space at a popular city centre library is set to open this weekend.

Located on the first floor of Leeds Central Library, ‘Room 700’, which through its name pays homage to the 700 section in the Dewey Decimal Classification system where a book on the arts in any library can be found, will from this Saturday offer somewhere where people of all ages and interests can enjoy a diverse range of activities and events. The library will also be working in partnership with groups including Opera North, the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Northern Ballet amongst others, to ensure the programme at Room 700 remains both fresh and exciting.

Featuring in Room 700 throughout the year will be exhibitions, talks and family-friendly events that will sit aside a tailored programme providing visitors with the chance to discover new authors and celebrate literature and the published word. Selected artists in residence will also as part of the library’s Arts Council funded arts programme, be running workshops, giving talks and even offering members of the public an opportunity to watch their work during their time in Room 700.

Each month, a nationally acclaimed author or poet will also feature in Room 700, as part of its unique written and spoken word programme ‘A Flock of Words’ which celebrates a love of words. On offer will include the chance to enjoy a masterclass and also see them perform live. A special ‘A Flock of Words’ season ticket will also be available to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the authors or artists on offer. To purchase your season tickets, please see: www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

Leeds Central Library is also leading the way on opening up new digital access opportunities, and along with special events detailing what is available and how to get involved, there will also be the opportunity to find out more about the history of the library and the city by viewing pieces from its unique collections and by talks from experts.

Given the honour of opening Room 700 is the ‘The Imaginarium …Creating a Monster’ exhibition inspired by the collections and heritage of Leeds Central Library. To mark the occasion, a special family-themed day of free activities will be held this Saturday from 11am-3pm in Room 700, including live music, sculptures and projections.

For more information regarding Saturday’s launch and the family-themed day of activities, please see; http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Events/Pages/central-library-room-700-launch.aspx

To find out more regarding Room 700, please see: www.leeds.gov.uk/room700

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities said:

“We are very excited by the opening of Room 700, which from this Saturday will be offering throughout the year a fantastic and diverse programme of events and activities at our new multi-use arts space at Leeds Central Library.

“There will be so much to see and enjoy, from exhibitions and talks, to special workshops and masterclasses from artists in residence and authors and poets, which really does promise to be something very special. As part of the opening we will be hosting a special family friendly event, which will be a great opportunity to find out why Room 700 promises to be such an exciting arts space for people of all ages and interests.”

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk