CANVAS: a community arts festival at Wellington Place
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
The Leeds art scene is buzzing with activity this spring, thanks in part to CANVAS – a month-long arts festival, celebrating the power of art and community, dotted around Wellington Place.
CANVAS is created in partnership with Leeds Arts University and provides a platform for students to showcase their work. Perhaps most importantly, the festival aims to legitimise art-making as a ‘real job’ – and what better way to validate your own artistic path than allowing audiences to engage with your art first hand.
The festival schedule offers a range of activities, from more traditional exhibitions to collaborative sessions where you and your family can take part in the art-making too.
CANVAS opens with the Leeds Arts University Exhibition featuring six large-scale canvases from Fine Art undergraduate students, with a preview event on 10 April. Continue the tour of young art around the city with The Art Trail at various locations around Wellington Place featuring works from current students and alumni. You can grab a map from the onsite cafes and bars to find your way around the trail.
The PLAY tent will be open for the youngest visitors too: a place to play and craft with materials and activities inspired by the exhibition themes. Children can make a colourful mess and explore their creativity across two weekends in April, including the Easter holidays.
If you’re looking for art to adorn your own walls – visit the Art in the City Print Fair. Taking place across the Early May Bank Holiday, the Fair is a chance to browse the local stalls and enjoy the medium of print in its various forms and styles.
Last but certainly not least are the collaborative events that encourage audiences to tap into their own creativity and join the fun. Collaborative Paint takes place on 11 April – stop by to colour a section of a large canvas designed by Leeds Art University students. For an outdoor drawing session, visit the Interactive Sketch Club devised by artist Clifford Stead. Take a look around at the artwork on display and try your hand at sketching the views.
All CANVAS events are free but check booking is required for some of them so do check the website for more information.
