Art college awarded university status
Leeds College of Art has been awarded university status, making it “the only specialist arts university in the North of England”.
The college, which has become Leeds Arts University, was founded in 1846 as the Leeds Government School of Art and Design.
Professor Simone Wonnacott, vice-chancellor, said: “We welcome our university title as an important recognition of over 170 years of leading arts education in the UK. Our staff have worked incredibly hard to support this rigorous process, and I would like to thank them for their continued efforts.
“This announcement is a significant landmark in our history, and one which recognises our robust governance structure, academic and teaching standards and the facilities supporting the delivery of our higher education programmes.
“Leeds Arts University is proud to be the only specialist arts university in the North of England, and we will continue to strive to put ourselves at the forefront of arts education not just in the UK, but worldwide.”
Chris Clements, chair of the board of governors, added: “We are delighted to gain university title, and are proud to be now known as Leeds Arts University. As a specialist arts university we have a strong reputation for delivering excellent teaching in a close-knit creative community, and will continue to nurture this environment in this new phase of growth.”
