Cultural Sector Partner: The Tetley
HE Partner: Leeds Beckett University

A partnership between The Tetley and Leeds Beckett

The Tetley partnered with Leeds Beckett to offer a 12 month residency with professional development opportunities for an emerging design graduate. The Tetley provided studio space, collaboration opportunities, and access to creative networks in exchange for design and delivery of some of The Tetley’s visual identities and marketing materials needed throughout a year long season. The designer was paid a fee for each project that was delivered.

ABOUT THE TETLEY

The Tetley is a new centre for contemporary art and learning that opened in November 2013. Created in the iconic headquarters of the former Tetley’s Brewery in South Central Leeds we show and champion work by emerging and mid-career artists that is critically engaged and ambitious. Whilst we support artists who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary art practice, we are committed to making their work accessible and enjoyable to visitors of all ages and backgrounds through our participation and events programmes.

ABOUT THE TETLEY DESIGN RESIDENCY

The Tetley provided a 12 month residency and professional development opportunity for an emerging designer by supporting and collaborating with them to deliver ideas that come to life through The Tetley’s design and marketing. We are an organisation that encompasses many elements: a contemporary art space, a registered charity with community participation programming, a heritage venue, and a building with a vibrant Bar & Kitchen and commercial offer.

The Design Residency worked from a collaborative approach, with a mentoring element, along with PR and networking opportunities for the designer involved. The resident designer worked alongside The Tetley team to develop the interpretation of The Tetley identity across a 12 month programme. Our team supported creative development ideas, and through a mentoring scheme help coach ideas into commercially tangible campaigns. The Design Residency also offered the opportunities to help connect the design graduate with the wider world of the arts and culture community, helping them make critical connections for future professional opportunities.

OUTCOME

Now in its second year, The Tetley has offered this residency to two recent graduates of Leeds Beckett. Bringing new talent into the organisation has revitalised our output as well as giving a recent graduate valuable experience in the field. Our first resident has now acquired a position at a award winning design firm in Leeds and we are about to finish the second residency.