“DARE is a model of collaborative excellence that inspires research relevant to contemporary society and provides a framework through which far-reaching impact can be achieved.”                    Professor Andrew Thompson, former Chief Executive, Arts and Humanities Research Council.

In 2007 Opera North and the University of Leeds committed to work together to deliver an outstanding and challenging programme which leads cultural thought, learning and practice.

“We are delighted that this ambitious and energetic partnership, the first of its kind in the country, has made remarkable progress in its first decade.  Learning and research are at the heart of all that we do, for the practitioner, the artist, the academic, the student and the audience. The combination of artistic and academic excellence from across both our organisations, working with partners regionally, nationally and internationally, is making a difference in ways that could not be achieved by working alone.” 

This website provides a brief glimpse of just some of our work to date, from more than 250 projects and over 80 conferences and symposia, to multiple professional development programmes, learning opportunities for over 10,000 students and the creation of 50 new works, which have secured over £3m in contributions from UK and European sector bodies. We hope it gives you a flavour of the quality and diversity of what we do and we invite you to join us for what is sure to be an exciting future.