The Creative Communities Pride in Place arts project concluded with an uplifting celebration at Leeds City Museum on 20 June 2025.
The two-year, lottery funded arts project run by Swarthmore Education Centre has seen residents of Holbeck, Beeston, Hunslet, Belle Isle and Middleton work with artists to create work which reflects their pride in their community.
So much work was created that there was too much to display in the main Broderick Hall at the museum, but the large selection made an impact showcasing the depth of talent in South Leeds. Around a third of the 300 residents who had taken part in the project attended the event and there was a palpable buzz of excitement as they queued to enter.
Chris Baillie, the Director of Swarthmore who conceived the project, told the audience:
“I grew up in South Leeds, I’m a Miggy lass, I’ve always known the community was full of talent and creativity with stories just waiting to be shared, but also that they are communities that are often overlooked for community arts opportunities. So this project was about changing that.”
Claire Whiteley, who runs the Involve Centre in Hunslet, talked about how many of the participants had all sorts of problems in their lives, fuel poverty, complex relationships, etc, but the art classes provided some respite:
“In one session they were bashing flowers (to use the natural dyes) which echoed across the whole building and it was wonderful. I found a quote that said ‘art releases your soul’. On that day those people escaped all the pressures in their lives and had their soul released. I think that happened at every session.”
After the speeches a group of residents who have been working with Opera North song their Hunslet Song which they co-created.
Other participants commented on the event:
“Amazing event. Alan’s story was inspirational. The song was very emotional. The artwork displayed was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Beeston sessions. Thank you. ”
“I would like to say this project has helped me at my darkest times. Sometimes I found it hard to go out to do things. My mental health has taken a turn for the best focusing on the projects I did”
“I had just moved to Leeds and felt really isolated but this project made me feel involved”
“The event today – I love it. It’s amazing. The artwork is brilliant. I’ve spotted some of mine. (Big grin)”
A selection of work from the project is on display in the Community Corridor at Leeds City Museum in Millennium Square until 1 September. Works include the Belle Isle Tapestry which was unveiled at BITMO’s Gate on 29 May and will return once the rest of the city gets a chance to see it. For more information about the project visit: www.swarthmore.org.uk/projects
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