Lifelong learners
Creative activities for adults of all ages to enjoy both in our buildings and across our city, including Hyde Park Film School, Hiding in Plain Sight – the Lost Cinemas of Leeds and venue tours.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Learn about our city’s cinema heritage with a self-guided walking tour; from small neighbourhood picture houses like our own, to the gigantic super-cinemas of the 1920s.
With over 80 cinemas once existing in Leeds, and now only a handful remaining, our Hiding in Plain Sight interactive mapping tool collects people’s memories of these cinemas and considers the reasons why Hyde Park Picture House is one of the lucky survivors.
Film
Hyde Park Film School
Guided by guest speakers, Hyde Park Film School provides opportunities to discover more about film – from the work of influential filmmakers to the enduring legacy of film movements. All courses are entry level, non-academic and open to everyone.
Activities include Film Forum, an eight-week programme for groups of up to 15 to watch four films and discuss. Taking place twice a year (January – March and July – August), tickets usually go on sale a month before.
We also run day-long and half-day events and workshops on specific filmmakers, themes or genres approximately five times a year.
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Philosophy & Film
In this ongoing series, presented by Joe Saunders, we’re joined by a guest philosopher to guide us through the fascinating interplay between philosophy and film. Each film is selected by an academic philosopher, who will deliver a short talk after the film, exploring philosophical themes raised. Discussion then opens up to the audience.
This series is really varied and involves films from many different genres and eras. In the past we’ve shown films such as Blue Velvet, Ordet, The Possibilities are Endless and Inherent Vice. Events are quite popular and usually sell out, so please book as early as possible.
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Tours
Step inside Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall to uncover the rich history woven into two of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Shaped by generations of performers and audiences, these remarkable venues have hosted stars, witnessed unforgettable moments, and helped define Leeds’ artistic life.
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Leeds Heritage Theatres Learning and Engagement Fund
Every year, we work with over 10,000 young people across the city, in schools, youth groups and other sessions to help them build skills, confidence and pride through our creative learning and engagement programme. All donations to this fund will help us to continue our work and reach more people across the Leeds City Region.