Heritage and Culture
Our mission is to make the University's arts, culture and heritage research and expertise accessible to all, championing the value of the arts, heritage and creativity for society and the economy.
We facilitate sector and public access to University of Leicester expertise, collections and research, including;
- Research and consultancy with particular expertise in inclusive practice
- Project development and funding bids
- Public engagement and audience development plans
- Policymaking and specialism in SEND education
- Participatory research
- Heritage interpretation
- Audits of the history and heritage of a particular building or area
- Evaluation (of all scales of project)
- Digital culture research and innovation
- Training and consultancy for oral history and archives
- Commercial archaeology and heritage projects
- Events and visitor experience
- Creative health research and consultancy
- Student experience and placements
Alongside this, we offer an exceptional range of flexible professional development and learning opportunities within the following areas:
- School of Arts, Media and Communication
- School of Heritage and Culture
- School of History, Politics and International Relations
- School of Business
- Attenborough Arts Centre
Our collaborators and customers include:
- Local authorities
- Developers
- UK and overseas government culture departments
- Museums and Heritage organisations
- Community Groups
- Charitable Trusts and NGOs
We have extensive experience and expertise in co-creating projects and funding applications, project delivery and evaluation. Support can be tailored to needs, interests and budget.
Heritage at University of Leicester
Our expertise cuts across disciplines and sectors, enabling us to offer a one-stop-shop for arts, culture and heritage projects and partners
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about the kinds of support and services the Hub can offer, please contact us at heritageuol@le.ac.uk.
Key people
- Sarah Scott, Professor of Archaeology, Heritage Hub Director
- George Lewis, Professor of History, Deputy Director
- Simon Dixon, Associate Director and Head of Archives and Special Collections
- Andrew Fletcher, Director, Attenborough Arts Centre
- Ali Brand-Barker, Heritage Partnerships Officer
- Sue Wood, Heritage Hub Administrator
Events
Join us for our Heritage Hub Celebration of Heritage 2026!
We are excited to invite you to our annual Celebration of Heritage on Saturday 21 March 2026 12-4pm, a free event open to all. You can meet our students and staff, explore our University campus, discover our remarkable collections and learn about world leading research that shapes our understanding of the past, present and future. The event also marks the final day of Literary Leicester.
Celebration of Heritage 2026
This year, more than 50 organisations from across the region will join us. Come along to explore local museum collections, hear fascinating stories of the rich history and heritage of our city and region and find out what’s happening at upcoming festivals and heritage events.
With hands-on activities ranging from leather craft and weaving, to Morris dancing and our archaeological dig pit, there is something for everyone. Our friendly Heritage Hub Ambassadors will be on hand throughout the day to help you make the most of your visit.
We are also introducing an exciting new feature for 2026: The University Heritage Discovery Zone. Journey from the origins of life on Earth to cutting-edge space research, explore ancient diet and medicine and try your hand at life saving skills. Join us for an amazing day of discovery and connection across generations and cultures.
The Heritage Hub is inspired by the founding vision of the University of Leicester as a living memorial created by the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at the end of the First World War. Today, we continue that legacy by working creatively with our communities across the region and beyond to improve lives, now and for future generations “so that they may have life.”
We look forward to celebrating with you! Details of the programme to follow shortly.
