Holbeck-based arts charity, Pyramid, celebrates its 30th anniversary this Autumn. Pyramid supports people with learning difficulties from all backgrounds to discover the arts and develop their own creative practice. The charity campaigns to remove institutional barriers that prevent artists with a learning disability from accessing work and exhibition spaces, and ultimately from progressing in a career in the arts.
To mark the anniversary, Pyramid also revealed ambitious plans for a new headquarters by 2023, which will provide its artists with access to studios, maker spaces and exhibition space. The new centre is set to become an industry hub for artists with learning disabilities sharing best practice from across Europe and beyond.
Trustee and practising artist Liam Hirst, who has worked with Pyramid since age thirteen, said:
“Our vision is that all artists with a learning disability will have the opportunity to discover and explore the arts and to develop their creative practice to the full extent of their dreams and ambitions like I have been able to. We have some of the most talented and exciting artists in the region in Pyramid and we want them to be recognised as such.
“Most excitingly, Pyramid plans to raise the money over the next four years to build our new headquarters, which will be the most exciting centre for contemporary art in the north of England. It will be run by people with learning disabilities and a resource for which Leeds can be truly proud.”
James Hill, Director of Pyramid adds:
“We are hugely proud of our artists and have supported them to apply for funding, win commissions and create high profile work which has been exhibited across the UK and Europe.
“Our artists are some of the brightest talents in the UK right now but are often overlooked for gallery shows, new commissions and other opportunities as they require additional support to undertake these projects.
“As we look back on thirty years of fantastic art from artists with learning disabilities, we’re really excited to reveal plans for our future starting with a programme of events, exhibitions, talks and tours to celebrate our milestone birthday in style and invite new audiences to discover the work of our artists.
As part of the Pyramid 30 celebration the charity will host a series of events across the city from now right through to December 2019.
Main photo: Arthur the Sheep at Light Night 2010
