Transformed New Art Hostel Opens Doors in Leeds

(Images by Hannah Platt)

Offering inventive and imaginative accommodation to curious and creative travelers, the new Art Hostel has opened in Mabgate, Leeds, as a radical, transformed space featuring beds for up to 60 guests spread across 12 remarkable rooms—affordable and truly unique accommodation for backpackers, artists, and tourists. A blend of private en suite rooms and dorms are available for guests to book. The independent social enterprise space is opening as Leeds becomes a hot bed for creative travelers. Each room is individually designed by commissioned artists: including a room focused on 1980s protest culture, a sensory safe space that has been designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, a room inspired by local East African communities, and another room inspired by West Yorkshire’s textile industry. The Art Hostel is a fun, affordable and comfortable creative place to stay. Popular with artists, musicians and creative people visiting the Yorkshire region, it is ideally placed to welcome travelers as the United Kingdom continues to see a ‘staycation’ boom these past few months. East Street Arts has commissioned artists to design each space, offering insight into each artist’s mind and artistic practice. The artists have been chosen to breathe life into

the new Art Hostel, making a truly original and inspiring space to stay. The Art Hostel is the first social enterprise in the UK providing affordable accommodation created by artists. Developed by contemporary art charity, East Street Arts, which has supported artists internationally for more than 25 years. Leeds has a thriving independent grassroots and DIY art scene and Art Hostel contributes to the experience of visiting and staying in Leeds, encouraging visitors to access the artistic underbelly. The Art Hostel provides the physical infrastructure for you to get involved: to make, create, debate, sleep and explore.

Commissioned artists include

• Alison Smith, Ziggy Wingle - the artist worked with the Shakespeare Primary School, in Leeds, to design a playful and interactive room based on play and primary colors, incorporating children’s games, traditions and imagination into a room that pops.

• Matilya Njau, Green Fingers - in this room, the artist transformed the atmosphere of the East Leeds urban jungle into a calm green oasis - reducing the venue’s carbon footprint.

• Wanderlust Social Club - It’s Up To You - this creative duo used inspiration from Leeds’ long history of protest movements to create a spectacular room that pays tribute to the radical ideas that have shaped the city’s unique identity.

Read more on www.travelerandtourist.com Nature Edition Mar-Apr 2022