What We Do
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.
Use the buttons below to find out more about each project:
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
Immersive Exhibitions
Cosmopolitan Arts creates immersive exhibitions blending dance, interactive technology, animation, bespoke music, and innovative projection mapping. These exhibitions tackle social issues through a new lens, featuring commissioned artists who create evocative material.
Cosmopolitan Immersive
Experience 2022
Cosmopolitan Immersive
Experience 2023
Cosmopolitan Immersive
Experience 2020
Cosmopolitan Voices
Cosmopolitan Voices is an innovative digital art exhibition featuring ambisonic sound
and 3D images. It explores racism and the experiences of Indian, Chinese, Caribbean,
and African cultures in society.
The exhibition aims to educate and celebrate diversity. We’ve commissioned talented
artists to create authentic combined arts content using visual art, music, and spoken
word, offering a multi-dimensional experience.
African perspective
Caribbean perspective
Indian perspective
Chinese perspective
African perspective
Caribbean perspective
Indian perspective
Chinese perspective
Large-scale Combined Arts Performances
challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. Featuring a talented lineup of
musicians, vocalists, and dancers, the performance blends music, spoken word, and
dynamic choreography, creating a powerful artistic experience. Enhanced by
immersive lighting and mapped projection, the event transforms the Cathedral into a
living canvas, inspiring audiences with a call to action to protect our world.
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
Unity Project
Since 2019 we have delivered a research-based project working with 15 different cultural groups, to explore why they settled in Leicester, if they felt part of the city and if they had experienced racism. We delivered workshops to create artefacts and performances for the Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, We created an academic report and a series of documentaries from interviews
conducted over the 3 years.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
Stories From the City 1
Stories From the City 2
Stories From the City 3
Stories From the City 4
Stories From the City 1
Stories From the City 2
Stories From the City 3
Stories From the City 4
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
Made in China
Made in China is the first-ever research project dedicated to exploring the rich Chinese heritage of Leicester and Leicestershire. This exploration delves into the region’s history, traditions, art, and cuisine, documenting the vibrant culture of its Chinese community. We have produced a captivating documentary tracing the history of local Chinese communities and an exhibition showcasing their diverse cultural contributions.
Additionally, we have developed a comprehensive website that offers information about the project, its goals, findings, and upcoming events. For more information, visit :
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
From East 2 East
From East to East is a comprehensive research project on Chinese migration to the East Midlands, developed in collaboration with Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby communities. It explores migration patterns from the 1950s to today, driven by economic factors and opportunities. The research highlights integration, community establishment, and cultural contributions, with decade-specific shorts and events like digital art exhibitions, New Year processions, workshops, and performances.
Supported by Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, “From East to East” celebrates and continues to document the diverse history of Chinese migration to the East Midlands. See fromeasttoeast.com for more information
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
For The Love of Jazz
The For The Love of Jazz festival has celebrated Leicester’s growing jazz scene since 2022, uniting jazz enthusiasts and artists from across the UK and beyond. Centred on the mission of decolonising jazz and supporting women in the genre, our festival showcases a diverse lineup featuring award-winning artists.
Supported by Arts Council England, East Midlands Jazz and Leicester City Council, our festival brings together established performers and emerging talents. Stay updated on our page and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our upcoming festival, including lineup announcements, workshops, and more.
Videos from previous years
Videos from previous years
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
Cosmopolitan Arts Festival
The Cosmopolitan Arts Festival, formerly Cosmopolitan Carnival, has been the heartbeat of Leicester’s city centre since 2011. Our mission is to celebrate cultural diversity through the arts, break down barriers and foster connections through our annual festival. The festival transforms the city centre with multiple stages, dance performances and cultural arts workshops creating a spectacle of large-scale performances.
We are very grateful for the continued support from Arts Council England and Leicester City Council, which allows us to continue creating moments that celebrate diversity, foster unity, and break the mould.
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
Lunar New Year
Since 2017, Cosmopolitan Arts has partnered with the Chinese community and university students to bring the vibrant tradition of the Lunar New Year celebration to Leicester. Together, we’ve crafted an authentic and dynamic experience in the city centre featuring musical performances, traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations and workshops highlighting skills passed down through generations. This celebration culminates with a procession that unites the entire city and a dazzling combined arts show featuring fireworks and traditional art forms.
Supported by Arts Council England and Leicester City Council, our Lunar New Year celebrations have flourished, becoming a beloved fixture in Leicester’s cultural calendar.
CULTURAL EVENTS • BESPOKE PERFORMANCES • EXHIBITIONS
At Cosmopolitan Arts, we empower young minds through art and creativity in a truly inclusive environment. Located at our state-of-the-art facility on Friday Street, we offer free music lessons for aspiring talents aged 8-18, including bass guitar, keyboard, singing, saxophone, and drums, with free instrument hire available. Our skilled tutors are experienced musicians dedicated to nurturing young talent.
In addition to lessons, we provide free school holiday provisions with full-day workshops on music, filmmaking, DJ classes, arts activities, day trips and so much more. Join our creative community of young musicians and experience expert instruction in a supportive environment that encourages growth and artistic expression.
About Cosmopolitan Arts
About Cosmopolitan Arts
Cosmopolitan Arts is a 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.
Contact us today to find out more
