About The Preservative Party
Established in 2009, the Preservative Party is a collective of young curators who meet weekly. They choose their own topics and objects to research in the museum. They often spotlight overlooked histories and the underrepresented people who make them.
Since its formation, the Preservative Party have curated numerous exhibitions across Leeds. These include the highly successful ‘In Their Footsteps’, the award winning ‘Overlooked’ and the multimedia project ‘Whose Power?’.
The Preservative Party is a collaborative effort which aims to uplift the voices of all its members. So, why not hear about it from them...?
Callum C
“It makes me more comfortable, it makes me more helpful, and to understand the history of local people/voices of the past”.
Callum
“The best time of the week, where I can spend time with friends and research and work on interesting things.”
Eden
“A sense of community that makes a real difference within the city museum itself and across British academia.”
Esmé
“A safe space to socialise and grow through challenging myself without fear of judgement or pressure to meet certain expectations.”
Hugo
Press Party is about giving people the opportunity to work in the museum industry, a dream for history buffs such as myself. It gives me a chance to take part in exhibitions, which has always been a passion of mine.
Jordan
"The Preservative Party has come to define a key part of my life. Their passion, activism, honesty and ambition always inspire me."
Rahesa
“Filled with the brightest young people, the reason why I am who I am”.
Rowan
"A chance to bring new perspectives to the museum space, and to platform young and fresh voices."
Stan
“A space to be social about specific knowledge that we can turn into something productive".
Tae
“A place where I can express my interests without fear of alienation. A safe place.”
Thoi
"Getting a chance to socialise and work with people outside of uni."
Abigail
‘Having worked as a academic in Leeds for over 30 years, the Preservative Party have changed the way I think about everything. As my daughter has said, it has brought back my spark!’
Euan
Community and camaraderie channelled into creating inclusive and innovative co-curated galleries. It’s a privilege to be involved and I’m proud to call my fellow curators friends.
Sammy
One of my favourite places to be. It’s where all of my friends are and where I can be myself without anyone thinking I’m being annoying or weird. I get to enjoy my passions and make cool things with other people who understand me.
Saraya
A place where I have felt empowered to explore my passions and discover new aspects of myself. A community of amazing young curators and activists.
Elis
“My favourite place to be – full of the best people who make me a better person, and allow me to explore all my interests freely"