Featured Events in Leeds in 2025 (August Updated)

Since the second half of the 20th century, there has been something of a cross-fertilisation between the respective art practices of West Cornwall and West Yorkshire. Cornwall, and in particular the harbour town of St Ives and its surroundings, has attracted artists since the late 19th century. In the early decades of the 20th century modern artists began to congregate in the area, while the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 saw the artists Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson seek sanctuary in nearby Carbis Bay. The gathering of artists in and around St Ives during the wartime period made it a magnet for a younger generation of artists after the war ended. At the same time, the establishment of the Gregory Fellowships in painting, sculpture, music and poetry at the University of Leeds in 1950 offered new opportunities for artists to work in Yorkshire for a period.

Sculpture and photography have existed in close proximity ever since the birth of photography in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Sculpture was one of the first subjects to be photographed, in part on account of its immobility which proved ideal for the long exposure times required for the early photographic processes and the suitability of white plaster and marble for a black and white medium. It has remained an important subject throughout photographic history, utilised by some of the most well-known photographers over the past 150 years, from William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-77) to Walker Evans (1903-75). Throughout this time photography has continued to influence the conception, process, documentation, marketing, display and reception of sculpture. Sculptors have not only collaborated with photographers but have themselves experimented with photographic techniques in the creation and documentation of artworks, including the use of cameraless photography, polaroids, collage and montage. This display explores the role played by photography across the history and practice of sculpture from the late-nineteenth century to the present day. From offering an insight into the largely unseen processes of bronze casting in foundries, to charting the journey of monuments from foundry to public siting, photography has been used to document the lives of sculptures in their circulation across the globe. The archiving function of photography now also provides a record of what no longer survives, as in the case of sculptures commissioned for temporary events, exhibitions or site-specific installations.Sculpture Photographedpresents photographs, posters and printed material alongside maquettes, medallic portraits and objects from installations. It reveals the varying ways that sculptors have harnessed photography in the production and dissemination of their works, while photography has in turn re-examined and provided new interpretations of sculptures, both old and new. This display is located in our new Archive Gallery (formerly known as the Lower Sculpture Study Gallery), which sits between Leeds Art Gallery and theHenry Moore Institute.

With huge state-of-the-art projections and a revolutionary sound system, Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) invites you to experience the world through David Hockney's eyes. After opening at Lightroom in London to rave reviews, this is the first time the show has travelled outside of the capital. Get an insight into the legendary artist's process as you journey through six different chapters of his work, seeing the room around you light up and change. Covering his work from LA to Yorkshire, and up to the present day in Normandy, the show is an incredible opportunity to get to know one of the great popular geniuses of the art world still experimenting with new technology to create beauty and wonder. Hear from Hockney as you watch how he experiments with perspective, uses photography as a way of ‘drawing with a camera', captures the passing of time in his polaroid collages and the joy of spring on his iPad – and shows us why only paint can properly convey the hugeness of the Grand Canyon. With a specially composed score by Nico Muhly guiding your experience, enjoy the work of this legendary artist in a whole new light.

Join us for a relaxing evening of creativity at our Calligraphy & Watercolour 'Cards for the year' Workshop! Find space to slow down and learn the art of beautiful hand-lettering in a relaxed and friendly environment. Date: Thursday, Jan 23rd, 2024 Time: 7-9pm Location: Never Enough Thyme Cafe , 97 High Street, Yeadon, LS19 7TA Looking for something fun (and indoors!) to do this January? Come and join for a peaceful evening of creativity where you can get ahead on making your 'cards for the year'. You'll leave with a collection of personalized greeting cards and the skills to continue mkaing more! During this hands-on workshop, you'll discover the joy of brush pen calligraphy and use watercolour to create stunning designs. Grace will guide you through the process, teaching you various techniques and providing tips to help you learn new skills and make some beautiful greetings cards. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. All materials will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Hot drink and the cafes delicious homemade bakes included. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill and create unique cards for your loved ones. Book your spot now and enjoy a peaceful pause as you take time out for you. Information Source: Grace Moxon | eventbrite

LEEDS - LEMON LIVE ON STAGE !! Presented by Glitterbomb events Friday 24th January 2025 THE WARDROBE (Ages 14+) Presented by Glitterbomb - Get ready to be zested by the fiercest queen to come out of Canada's Drag Race. Also appearing on UK VS The World AND winner of Canada's Drag Race VS The World, LEMON! Are you Ready for the return of Lemon BACK to the UK - January 2025 for her first EVER tour and we can't wait to make you feel sweet and sour with iconic lip syncs and live performances of her ICONIC songs This show will be hosted by Dame Jame and She will be joined by local supports in your area to create a HUGE drag show EVENT TIMING VIP DOORS 6:30pm GENERAL DOORS 7:30pm REFUND POLICY:All sales are final unless this event is cancelled or postponed then a full refund will be issued within 7working days. Information Source: GLITTERBOMB EVENTS | eventbrite

As miffy turns 70, we look back at the well-loved character's rise to popularity through the charming books and simple illustrative style which made has made her famous across the world. The interactive exhibition will bring miffy to life through creative displays and activities which will offer an immersive and playful experience to enjoy. It will also explore aspects of Dick Bruna's design philosophy and artwork through his 124 picture books, posters, book covers, logos and house styles for charities and worthy causes. The exhibition is curated in partnership with Mercis and will tour to Norfolks' Time and Tide museum after Leeds City Museum.