Last week we got along to the Leeds Met Arts Festival and really enjoyed the thought provoking work by new appointment artist/lecturers Conway and Young.
It can’t have escaped your notice that there are more than a few empty shop units in Leeds currently, but how many there are was surprising. Conway and Young have mapped the streets in Leeds City centre and totted up and incredible 92 closed down shops. (Since writing this it has gone up to 96 apparently – and that’s not including the arcades or the Corn Exchange units)
Along with visiting their exhibition where you can suggest alternative uses for the shops, they invite you to take part in an informal walk considering the recent history of a number of the empty spaces, reflecting upon the present situation and discussing the potential for renewal. The walk has been organised with the aim of creating dialogue between local community groups, artists, the agents that manage the spaces and Leeds City Council.
The duration of the walk will be approximately one hours and 30 minutes, after which you can return to the Gallery for refreshments and to write up an action plan based on the discussions had.
If you are interested in the project but are unable to attend the walk, get in touch to arrange a meeting with them. (Jen and Jessie 07716017991)
is there a date/time for the conway and young walk? can’t see it in the article. is it tba?
The walk starts at 11am from Leeds Met Gallery! Take your empty shopping basket along and come back with it empty, but a head full of ideas!