11/06/2024
As of today, the Duke Studios brand will no longer operate from the site at 3 Sheaf St. The workspace will continue to be operated by the landlord, John H King Investments, but under a new brand and without the involvement of the founders.
We want to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 13 years. We embarked on this journey in 2011, at a time when it was more challenging to connect and build this type of business, especially during a global financial crisis. Many thought we were crazy for believing people would want to work side by side in a shared space, particularly in an industry focused on ideas.
Our vision was to create a place specifically for creatives to work in a professional space and grow in an environment crafted to facilitate collaboration, foster community, and amplify their voices within a larger collective. While we may have built the physical space and curated the talent, it is thanks to the residents that the venture has been a success. Every individual who has been a part of the Duke community has played a significant role in our journey. We extend our thanks to them for entrusting us with their businesses, plans, and dreams.
We also want to say thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in us—from friends who helped build the two sites Duke operated from, to the team members, to collaborators who brought our projects to life, and to all those who supported us from the sidelines. This endeavour wasn't a corporate venture; at its core, it was about a dream to improve the creative landscape of the city. Pouring 13 years of heart and soul into the inside and the outside of the physical spaces. It has been a family affair, and the joy of working with such amazing people has been a driving force through the highs and lows.
This chapter has been the most significant one in our working lives so far, and we couldn't be prouder of our achievements.
The Duke Makes Brand will remain unaffected.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this adventure, whether deeply involved or cheering us on from a distance.
Big Love Laura and James (Duke Studios Founders)
We are exhausted so we asked ChapGPT to summarise the 13 years:
Revitalised Spaces: Transformed neglected and uninspiring spaces into vibrant, creative hubs that fostered community and innovation.
Creative Projects: Led impactful initiatives like the Leedsindiebikes project, The Big Disco, and Posters for the People.
Cultivating Talent: Provided a platform for local talent to showcase their work, contributing to Leeds’ cultural richness.
Event Hosting: Created a venue’ that hosted diverse and inclusive events, enhancing the city's social and cultural scene.
Community Building: Grew an organically thriving community by encouraging collaboration, creativity, and mutual support among members.
City Activism: Actively participated in boards, committees, and panels, advocating for positive change and championing the local community.
Mentorship and Support: Offered mentoring, charity fundraising, and initiatives like to support young people, emerging creatives and small businesses.
Pioneering Spirit: Demonstrated that with passion and hard work, innovative projects can succeed without traditional support, inspiring others to pursue their visions.
Optimistic Leadership: Led with optimism and resilience. Took a positive approach to challenges inspired collaborators and contributed to a can-do culture, where obstacles are viewed as opportunities for growth.
Devoted Cheerleaders: Passionately supported others.
