Editing Mechanics' institute (section)

{{Short description|Educational establishment}}
{{other uses of|school of arts|School of Arts (disambiguation)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
[[Image:Leeds City Museum.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Leeds Mechanics' Institute|Leeds City Mechanics' Institute]]'s building]]
'''Mechanics' institutes''', also known as '''mechanics' institutions''', sometimes simply known as '''institutes''', and also called '''schools of arts''' (especially in the [[Australian colonies]]), were educational establishments originally formed to provide [[adult education]], particularly in technical subjects, to working men in [[Victorian-era]] Britain and [[British Empire|its colonies]]. They were often funded by local industrialists on the grounds that they would ultimately benefit from having more knowledgeable and skilled employees. The mechanics' institutes often included [[libraries]] for the adult [[working class]], and were said to provide them with an alternative pastime to gambling and drinking in pubs.

Many of the original institutes included [[lending libraries]], and the buildings of some continue to be used as libraries. Others have evolved into parts of universities, adult education facilities, theatres, cinemas, museums, recreational facilities, or community halls. Few are still referred to as mechanics' institutes, but some retain the name and focus as centre of intellectual and cultural advancement. A 21st-century movement, originating in [[Victoria, Australia]], has organised a series of conferences known as Mechanics' Institutes Worldwide Conferences, at which information and ideas for the future of mechanics' institutes are discussed.