We are big supporters of Compass Festival and did you know, it all started at East Street Arts’ Patrick Studios? Well, it returns to the city on 16 November and there’s going to be so much for you to see and do over the following fortnight. It’s time to grab yourself a guide (available at all good spots across the city!) and get your tickets book. Here’s an overview of our top picks…helpful, we know!
Public House, Etheridge and Persighetti
Crowd of Favours, Friday 16 November, 7pm
Taking place at our local, Crowd of Favours (just across from Mike Winnard’s A City Less Grey mural), Etheridge and Persighetti explore the role of pubs as places to gather, exchange and galvanise. Take part in a conversation at the launch centring on beer glass inscriptions or explore the Beer Glass exhibition on throughout the festival. Art and pubs…two of our favourite things. This one is a winner!
Walking:Holding, Rosana Cade, Charlie Cuachi and Claire Nolan
Leeds Art Gallery, Saturday 17 November, 3pm
“Oh yeah I tell you somethin’, I think you’ll understand…” 10 points if you know what we’re going on about here. How would you feel about holding hands with a stranger in a public place? Well, explore those feelings and the wider topic of intimacy in public spaces with this short film shot entirely on mobile phones.
The film even features our very own city (Compass Festival 2016 to be exact). It is the premiere screening, followed by a discussion with artists and participants, and explores the topics of identity and intimacy in public space. The film features footage from the performance which took place in six towns across the UK, in which audience members were invited to hold hands while walking a designed route through a town or city.
You’ll need to RSVP at the Compass Fest website for this one.
1000 Handshakes, Sarah Caputo and Brenda Unwin
Leeds City Bus Station, Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 November, 10am to 7pm
Another one that’s a stone throw away from the hostel (and which involves hands too!), head to the bus station over the period of these three days to contribute your handshake. Unwin and Caputo will be placing a small piece of clay between the hands of strangers to create a unique impression.
Flying the flag for physical contact, the duo are hoping to inspire interactions and connections between people – what better way to get to know the people of Leeds during your visit to the city?
Waterborne, French and Mottershead
Leeds Dock, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November
Have you been on the Water Taxi? We seem to mention it in every single one of our Leeds rounds ups. Now you have the opportunity to experience this beautiful vessel in a completely new way.
Waterborne uses lyrical narrative to explore what happens to a body in water, after life. We know it sounds a bit grim but we promise this is set to be a truly beautiful piece. Part of French and Mottershead’s Afterlife series, the work is poetic yet forensic.
Supported by Wellcome Trust and Arts Council England, there will also be a quayside version of Waterborne which you don’t need to book. But to experience the work in all its, dans Water Taxi, glory visit the Compass Fest site to book your place.
Warmth, Bethany Wells
Leeds Dock, Friday 23 to Sunday 25 November, 1-9pm
Remember when we had a sauna in the basement of the Art Hostel? Now’s your time to follow the wonderful Bethany Wells as she establishes a Scandinavian treat at our very own Leeds Dock. Escape the cooler temperatures and get to know some new people. You’ll need to bring your own towel or borrow one from Compass but changing rooms, lockers and showers will be available. Circle the dates in your calendar now.
Find out more about Compass Festival over on the East Street Arts website in this extra special interview with festival director, Annie Lloyd.
Did we miss anything? What will you be seeing and doing at the Compass Festival?