Leon Patel is a dynamic leader, cultural innovator, and social entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the arts and culture sector. As Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Global Grooves, Leon leads a passionate team focused on empowering communities, celebrating cultural diversity, and using the arts as a driving force for social and community development.
Transforming Communities Through the Arts
Under Leon’s leadership, Global Grooves has become a powerful advocate for inclusion and equity, championing diverse voices and creating opportunities for creative expression in underrepresented communities. Through performances, large-scale outdoor events, and training programmes, the organisation facilitates cross-cultural dialogue, builds connections, and fosters deeper appreciation of global heritage.
Cultural Placemaking and the Power of Carnival
Leon’s commitment to cultural placemaking is reflected in The Vale, a creative hub developed under his leadership in Mossley, Greater Manchester. Once a disused cotton mill, The Vale now stands as a testament to how art can rejuvenate spaces, inspire collaboration, and sustain cultural practices.
Carnival lies at the heart of Global Grooves’ work, celebrating international art forms while addressing complex social issues. Leon views Carnival not only as a celebration of culture but as a vehicle for education, activism, and social connection, linking global traditions with local communities.
A Legacy of Freedom, Migration, and Creativity
Leon’s work is deeply shaped by his family’s remarkable legacy. His grandfather, Slavomir Rawicz, a Polish author and survivor of a Siberian gulag escape, imparted the value of resilience and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. His enduring message, “Remember always the precious heritage of freedom,” serves as the bedrock of Leon’s commitment to fostering equity and social cohesion in the face of modern challenges.
Leon’s father, an Indian immigrant to the UK, taught him the importance of adaptability and cultural heritage in building identity and community. His mother, an accomplished visual artist, nurtured his belief in the arts as a powerful tool for expression and social change, fueling his dedication to using creativity to tackle societal challenges.
Driving Change Through Leadership
Leon is renowned for his strategic approach to leadership, blending artistic vision with sustainability and social impact. As a Clore Fellow, mentor, and consultant, he supports emerging leaders in harnessing the arts to drive meaningful social change. His work with Global Grooves positions the organisation as a thought leader in cultural development and community driven, co-created arts projects.
Leon also serves as a trustee for Manchester Independents, an organisation dedicated to supporting underrepresented and diverse artists across Greater Manchester. In this strategic role, he helps oversee initiatives that provide funding, development opportunities, and connections for independent creatives, strengthening their presence and impact within the local arts scene.
A Commitment to Freedom, Equity, and Creativity
Leon’s unwavering dedication to freedom, equity, and creativity ensures that Global Grooves continues to empower communities, celebrate cultural diversity, and inspire transformative change. His belief in the arts as a unifying force drives the organisation’s mission to create a more inclusive and connected world.