A History of East Street Arts

A History

East Street Arts is a national contemporary arts organisation based in Leeds, England. It was established in 1993 to support the development of visual artists through a programme of events, membership activities, professional development and studio/facility provision.

Background East Street Arts is a charity founded by Karen Watson and Jon Wakeman who, in 1993, rented the third floor of a large Victorian mill complex, East Street Mills. Within this they developed eight studios and a programme of professional development; by 2002 it had expanded to 45 studios.

Membership East Street Arts has over 300 members consisting of artists, art students, arts professionals, creative practitioners and patrons of the arts.

Members are able to access the following benefits:

Studios Temporary spaces Professional development Spaces Mentoring In 2000 East Street Arts Personal promotion purchased Patrick Studios, a Equipment loan former social boxing club and developed it into artists’ studios Group exhibitions with a project space and office. Talks and discussions The organisation relocated to International reach Patrick Studios in May 2004.

East Street Arts make regular visits to different countries to East Street Arts currently has explore ways of working with four permanent spaces and other organisations. This has over 60 temporary spaces resulted in artist exchanges, across the UK. Temporary collective funding bids and spaces utilise disused spaces internships. The organisation such as shops and offices, also runs an annual members’ giving artists access to research trip for members affordable work space. to collaborate with other organisations and artists.

Projects East Street Arts has been involved in a wide variety of projects over the years. The organisation works with a diverse range of audiences, with past projects including live performances, exhibitions, artist talks and interactive performances.

Want to know more? eaststreetarts.org.uk @eaststreetarts +44 (0)113 248 0040 East Street Arts Patrick Studios St Marys Lane Leeds LS9 7EH England

In 2014 East Street Arts launched the Live/Work programme which gives artists a home to live and work from and a bursary in order to engage with the local communitites in a sustainable and meaningful way.

Artist-led East Street Arts’ members profit from a range of benefits and professional development opportunities.

change through creativity registered charity 1077401 eaststreetarts.org.uk @eaststreetarts