The University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre prides itself on being accessible and inclusive. We want everyone to feel welcome and get involved in what we do. We are a pioneering arts centre designed to include everyone. 

With over 18 years of experience, our programme offers courses and workshops, contemporary art exhibitions, performance and live art, theatre and comedy, live music and jazz, dance, activities for children and families, and more. We are proud to champion emerging talent and disability-led artists, supporting those starting their careers. Our outstanding access and inclusive work has been recognised, through multiple awards and grants from Arts Council England, BBC Children in Need, Leicester Shire Promotions and Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Our audience has grown to 57,000 people over the last year. 

Our brand new gallery is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary British and international art. Doubling the size of our existing building, the new £1.5 million capital project makes Attenborough Arts Centre the largest contemporary art gallery in Leicester and one of the largest in the East Midlands area. The new gallery has been funded by Arts Council England, University of Leicester and over 1,000 public donations. 

Attenborough Arts Centre’s work is inspired by Richard Attenborough, a world leading filmmaker, actor and lifelong patron of the arts. Richard Attenborough was an inspirational talent and pioneering thinker, our founding patron and a hands-on man who helped establishing our arts centre. Handing the patronage to his son Michael, we continue to follow Richard’s vision and continue his legacy striving to include everyone in great art, culture and learning.

We are proud to support students as part of the Music scholarship programme. Click here to find out more about how you can apply to gain valuable experience from the Philharmonia Orchestra to develop and showcase your music to a wider audience.