About Cosmopolitan Arts

Founded in 2011 by Director Amanda Leandro, Cosmopolitan Arts community interest company CIC based in Leicester dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the arts. At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to engaging people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not usually access the arts. We aim to create high-quality, participatory arts experiences that inspire, challenge perceptions, and create community cohesion across cultural and social boundaries.

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Cosmopolitan Arts For the Love of Jazz Festival

Cosmopolitain Arts Founder Amanda Leandro

Our Founder, Amanda Leandro

Our Founder and Director, Amanda Leandro, brings a wealth of experience to Cosmopolitan Arts, drawing from her background as an art director in film and television alongside her experience as a filmmaking educator.

Since founding the organisation in 2011, Amanda has passionately nurtured its growth and development, steering it through various stages of evolution. Leveraging her art director background and creative vision, Amanda has conceptualised and produced bespoke and innovative large-scale events and dynamic experiences that unite people from all backgrounds.

This incredible journey reflects years of hard work, unwavering dedication, and a unique creative vision.

Our Mission

Our mission at Cosmopolitan Arts is to celebrate cultural diversity through the arts, breaking down language barriers to foster greater understanding, social harmony, and integration across all backgrounds and cultures. We produce and programme evocative, engaging, and inspiring work, specifically reaching out to those who may not typically engage with the arts.

We aim to challenge perceptions and inspire positive change in how people view different cultures and marginalised people. We are especially committed to engaging with socially excluded and disadvantaged groups, promoting cultural dialogue and inclusion.

Our History

Cosmopolitan Arts was born in 2011 as Kaleidoscope Arts, changing our name in 2014.

We ignite Leicester's cultural landscape through evocative events and community-focused projects. From the annual Cosmopolitan Arts Festival and vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations to decolonizing jazz with the For the Love of Jazz festival, we are committed to celebrating diversity and creativity.

Achieving NPO status in 2023, awarded by Arts Council England, strengthens our mission to transcend cultural barriers and create better understanding, promote social harmony and integration.

Our work spans free music tuition for local children and young people, large-scale festivals and events, digital art exhibitions, immersive combined arts experiences and research-led creative projects, all free and designed to engage communities across Leicester.

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Cultural Festivals, Arts and Events in Leicester

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