It’s been a long old journey for us here at the hostel. The concept sparked years ago in the minds of our directors but only came to life physically in 2016. But, how did we get to where we are now? We’re throwing it back to our humble beginnings. **Takes deep breath**…here goes…

Our building
Two and a half years ago there was a sad little derelict three storey building standing empty on Leeds’ oldest street, Kirkgate. This building was in need of some love and we decided to adopt it. We took it into the East Street Arts fold and injected a little artistic magic, transforming it into a quirky, unique home for touring artists and visitors to the city.

We took our inspiration from our collective and respective experiences of Europe where the unique characteristics that artists and performers bring to a place are welcomed and celebrated. We’d not been able to find anything similar in Leeds…so, we created it! With a lot of much appreciated support from our friends – businesses, artists, friends and strangers – we turned our vision into reality!

Be our guest
East Street Arts is all about hospitality. What experience do people have in our spaces? How do we interact with them and make them feel welcome? It’s pretty much our lifeblood.

As such, we developed the Art Hostel with hospitality at its heart. Yes, our guests would enjoy a comfy bed for the night. Yes, they would get a good breakfast. But, the hostel needed to be about much more than this. It would provide an access point to unique cultural experiences, made possible by our relationships with the local artistic community. We wanted to give our visitors an experience which they would never be able to get anywhere else in the city…that’s something we’re absolutely certain we’ve achieved.

As well as bedrooms, we gave our hostel its own project space where we could host one-off events, exhibitions and opportunities for guests to participate and meet other artists and performers in a relaxed environment. Once you’ve crossed the threshold (or even if you haven’t made it inside) you are firmly part of our community…and our history.

Creating rooms fit for a king (and queen)
A bit of crowdfunding, some open calls and a lot of “hands on deck” later…we’d cleared the space and were ready to make it our own. It’s no secret that our rooms were designed and created by a variety of fantastic and talented artists. If you’ve ever stayed with us, we’re sure you’ll agree that we boast some of the most interesting accommodation in the city. You can read more about the artists here but in this post we’re “getting our fanfares on” for the sponsors who made the rooms possible.

We don’t mention or thank our sponsors enough but we were extremely lucky to receive support from Awesome Merchandise, Hammersons and Thompson Brand. Each of these kind organisations not only pledged financial support but came along with us on our journey too. Each supported the design of their own Art Hostel room, inputting ideas, blood, sweat and tears (figuratively, of course)!

As well as these organisations, we received incredible support from long-time arts supporters, Mick Ward and Gill Crawshaw. They provided a fantastic brief focusing on the history of the local area, particularly linked to Leeds as a working dock and the work of the Leeds Riverside Mission (you’ve probably guessed which room they commissioned). Mick also had a personal connection too; his mother lived and got married at the Leeds Mission! Mick and Gill found Hannah Stacey through an open call which resulted in our wonderful Riverside Mission room.

At East Street Arts, we are all about long lasting relationships. You’ll never find us inviting a brand to make donation in return for logo placement. If you hang with us, you’re in it for the long haul (we’re afraid). Awesome Merchandise brought the super talented Drew Millward to the project, Hammersons supported the experienced and established Silvia Liebig to create “And what planet are you from?”, while Thompson Brand Partners put pen to paper, and then paint to wall, to create the wonderful, Dazzleship. 

Some of the other heroes who played a leading role in creating our hostel were Bauman Lyons architects and Tim Mileusnic from Darwin Construction. We cannot say thank you enough for the hard work and expertise they put into bringing our dream to life.

And we love collaborating. If you ever want to talk to us about our projects and how you can become part of the East Street Arts family, our door is always open. Your first port of call is hello@esamail.org.uk or a meeting with our external relations director, Nicola Greenan (nicola@esamail.org.uk).

So, how did it all turn out?
Well, you know the rest don’t you?! If not, you can find out more about our first two years in this funky infographic…how many guests have stayed with us, how many volunteers have helped us and how many cups of tea we’ve had too! Alternatively, you can come see for yourself…

Were you involved in the Art Hostel’s beginnings? What do you think of what we created?

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?

We’ve got a very exciting project happening at the hostel throughout October and November. East Street Arts and Janine Sykes are collaborating with a whole host of artists, as part of Seeding Art Currency. Not only can you share your own experiences of the hostel here you can also come to a variety of workshops, performances and talks. Here’s a little update on what you can expect.

The Harvest. Performance by Nii Kwartey Owoo
Wednesday 24 October, 6-7pm
Performance: 30 minutes followed by sharing of food.

The Harvest is Nii’s personal response to the struggle of hunger and sacrifice found in his community. Through rhythm and movement, this dance performance presents how cultures and beliefs have the power to unify people in finding solutions, in this piece to hoot at hunger.

Nii Kwartey Owoo is a musician and dance artist from Ghana whose work focuses on traditional cultural practices found in West Africa and diaspora communities. In this performance, Nii will share with the audience the role of corn in his culture, including dance, music, chants and food.

Curator, Louise Dwyer, invites you to relate to seeding through dance and storytelling at this event showcasing Nii’s performance of The Harvest, which is based on the cultural significance of corn in Ghanaian culture and history. The event is a passionate live performance by Nii Kwartey Owoo in the Art Hostel space.

Book your place, here.

Seeding a Sensuous Society. Gry Worre Hallberg
Wednesday 31 October, 5:30-7:30pm

Join Gry Worre Hallberg, artistic director of Sisters Hope (ongoing project Sisters Academy, Denmark) for a talk about the large-scale project, Sisters Academy – The School of a Sensuous Society exploring new modes of sensuous learning, followed by an immersive poetic self exercise.

Gry’s research and art practice entails sensuous learning ‘takeovers’ of institutions e.g. schools. She is an advocate that sensuous learning can be embedded (seeded) in every day life and this has many benefits to individuals and society. Taking part in the immersive poetic self exercise provides you with the opportunity to explore these benefits first-hand.

We recommend you book early as this event is limited to fifteen people.

#foundfiction – the launch
Tuesday 6 November, 5:30-7:30pm

Join us for the launch of #foundfiction, a night of talks, stories and spoken word.

#foundfiction is a global guerrilla publishing network. In its month-long installation at the Art Hostel, travellers are invited to co-create a short story one line at a time at a writing desk in the communal area.

The first line will be inspired by ideas on the Seeding Art Currency map.

Book your place, here.

World of Forms (mural). Bobbi Rae
Tuesday 13 November, 6:30-7:30pm

Join artist, Bobbi Rae in discussion with Janine Sykes, where she will share her inspirations for her colourful murals and playful practice.

The contributions to the virtual ‘Seeding Art Currency’ world map are in a state of becoming in ‘World of Forms’. The abstract shapes in this mural painted directly on the wall in the project space, are based on the world map by multi-disciplinary artist and designer Bobbi Rae. Throughout the duration of the project the patterns made by pins in the virtual map are represented with real seeds, placed directly on the mural by anyone who’d like to be involved.

Murals are one of the many media in which Bobbi Rae creates her colourful works – always characterised by a mix of cleverness and playfulness. An early inspiration for Rae is the dense spectacle narrative found in The Garden of Earthly Delights, painted by Hieronymus Bosch. Come along to find out more about Bobbi’s work.

Book your place, here.

[Untitled] Vinyl Print Installation. Joy Hindmoor
Tuesday 20 November, 6:30-7:30pm

Join Joy Hindmoor in discussion with Janine Sykes, where she is to share her inspirations and working processes such as working with colour and natural forms such as bacteria, shells and seeds. Joy’s installation for Seeding Art Currency depicts colourful (hand-cut) vinyl seeds that climb up the hostel wall. Joy recently graduated from the BA Fine Art course at Leeds Arts University (LAU). The discussion includes exploring how Joys working methods reflect in some ways the rich art education heritage from which her work is rooted.

Book your place, here.

Close Currency. Paul Bennett-Todd
Tuesday 27 November, 6:30-7:30pm

Everyone is invited to join photographer Paul Bennett-Todd, in his exploration of themes and questions that emerge for this ongoing collection of ‘all’ the banknotes in the world. A part of Paul’s collection ‘Close Currency’ are photographed for Seeding Art Currency.

Transience and ‘art as a living currency’ are just some of the themes that these prints evoke. The prints depict the detail of a sample of notes in his collection, each one has a story to tell. The full versions of the notes would of course reveal the country of origin, depicting national identities through icons, symbols and historical events. Patterns of indigenous seeds, flora and fauna are also found in the designs, highlighted through magnification.

This debut showing of Paul’s collection, is accompanied by a provocation, to guess which country each of the notes depicted in Close Currency originate. Winners need to guess at least four correctly (out of the six exhibited) in order to receive a signed print from Paul.

Answers are to be sent directly to Paul by email: paul.bennett-todd@leeds-art.ac.uk. On the night Paul will reveal the country of origin for each photograph that form Close Currency.

Book your place, here.

VVM (Venice Vending Machine), Marina Moreno, “How Do You Value Art?”
Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November, 5:30-7:30pm

Artist Marina Moreno will ask this question whilst inviting you to play with The Venice Vending Machine (VVM). By being part of a dialogue based around the arts, you will be able to acquire one of the artworks created by VVM artists selected at random by the mechanism of the surprising machine known as Teddy Giallo.

You will be given a token in exchange of a monetary and symbolic offer you will propose, in order to get your own art work from the machine. Unlike other art vending machines the VVM is not a sale or display mechanism for art but a participatory, travelling, discursive experience.

Book your place, here.

So, the programme is out! It’s time to pick your films for this year’s Leeds International Film Festival. Taking place during the first two weeks of November in some of the best cinematic spaces in the city, it’s time to get it in your calendar.

Yes, we know the programme can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the city and the festival itself. So, being the helpful little cherubs that we are, we’ve put together a list of our top flick picks! Whoop! We can’t wait.

(Also, did you spot the East Street Arts advert in the LIFF programme? It’s 90s-tastic!)

You can book your tickets to all of the films mentioned below (and more) on the Leeds Film City website: www.leedsfilmcity.com

Something Left Behind
10th November at 8.30pm, Hyde Park Picture House
UK

This one comes straight from the corners of our very own city. If you’re old enough to have been around in 1987, the album George Best by The Wedding Present may well have been the soundtrack to your summer.

Dubbed the greatest break up album of all time, this film explores how it came about and why it resonated with a generation, and those who followed, along with interviews with band themselves. The film culminates with footage from the 30 year homecoming anniversary of the band at Leeds O2 Academy last year. There’s going to be a special Q+A too! It’s bound to light a fire in the heart of any die-hard indie music fan!

The Travelling Cat Chronicles
11th November at 3pm, Hyde Park Picture House
13th November at 4.30pm, Vue at The Light
Japan

If you’re a cat lover, this one’s for you. Part of the Planet Japan series at this year’s festival, it’s much more than a story about a cat! Based on the Japanese novel by Hiro Arikawa, you’ll get to know and love Nana the cat as she accompanies her adopted master as he visits friends from his past. The Leeds Film City site calls it a “humorous and tender exploration of how small acts of kindness and sacrifice can make a difference in unexpected events of people’s lives”. Expect warm glows aplenty!

The Goodiepal Equations
10th November, 6.30pm, Leeds Town Hall Albert Room

The Albert Room is one of our favourite mini-film fest venues. You can expect a host of special encounters in the lovely space within our beautiful Town Hall. This film is a documentary about the Danish tour-de-force, Goodiepal, an enigmatic artist and musician who is a notorious figure in his home country.

Sami Sänpäkkilä gives us access to Goodiepal’s world which includes a self-built bicycle no less, which he uses to power his shows. How will he fare when he embarks on a more mainstream exhibition for the National Museum of Denmark? This one is quite firmly up our street!

The Images You Missed
2nd November, 4.45pm, Leeds Town Hall Albert Room
5th November, 4.30pm, Leeds Town Hall Albert Room
7th November, 4.30pm, Leeds Town Hall Albert Room
Ireland

This is a “what it says on the tin” kinda film. It is literally the images you missed. The documentary essay combines the troubles in Northern Ireland with the story of a son who is searching for his father. With more than 30 years of never-before-seen images, it will take you on a journey and a half.

Being Natural
11th November, 12.45pm, Hyde Park Picture House
12th November, 3.45pm, Vue at The Light
Japan

Another Japanese ditty, Being Natural, we’re confident that this one deserves a spot on this list. If you’ve experienced the countryside of Japan, you’ll love this film. The quiet existence of a nephew and uncle in rural Japan is threatened by a returning cousin and a nature-obsessed family from Tokyo. It’s directed by Tadashi Nagayama and according to the programme, you can expect events to take a very unexpected direction.

Clerks
4th November, 4.30pm, Vue at The Light
USA

This one is almost as old as East Street Arts. A throwback to 1994, this one is, from our perspective, an absolute classic. We’re going to warn you…it will appear to the untrained eye that nothing really happens in this film. It’s all about two buddies hanging out and shooting the breeze. Skipping from subject to subject, from the inane and the trivial to deep topics like the nature of love.

And that’s just a selection! Explore the programme for yourselves and book your tickets now. The festival also offers special ticket options for under 25s. Go on then…!

Have we missed any films? What’s in your top 10?

Ever wondered how our lovely hostel ticks over? Who are all the smiley faces are behind our hostel desk? Who makes sure there’s always tea for that early morning cuppa? The answer – our volunteers!

We are lucky to have a wonderful group of ever changing volunteers, some local and some who have travelled from much further afield, they all make up our hostel family. Many of the group come to us from Worldpackers, a service which allows people to exchange their skills for a place to stay.

We thought it was about time you got to meet some of our volunteer squad!

Anna

“Hi my name is Anna and i’m from Panama in Central America. I chose to come to Art Hostel to meet people from other countries. I don’t have any talent for art myself, but I have met a lot of incredible artists and so I was sure, being at Art Hostel was going to be an amazing experience. My favourite thing about the hostel is that it is arranged in a way that everyone interacts and connects with each other; I think this is really great, as not a lot of hostels have this.”

“I love Leeds! There is so much diversity, I have never seen a place like it. My favourite thing to do is to go skating in Hyde Park, the skate park is great! My plan after Art Hostel is to go back to Panama for a while and then live in Africa for six months.”

Lauren

“Hey, I am Lauren! I am one of the Art Hostel’s local volunteers. I found out about Art Hostel through East Street Arts. Before working here, I taught English in a variety of places. I wanted to work at Art Hostel to gain experience in reception work, so I can take what I learn forward into future work. I love how bustling the hostel is and that it came from an arts charity. My favourite place in Leeds is Wharf Chambers and I have always wanted to visit Leeds Industrial Museum in Armley.”

Felix

“Hello, my name is Felix! I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I visited Art Hostel last winter and now I have returned! I am a retired architect and wanted to travel, so why not travel to UK, and Leeds really!”

“While I am at Art Hostel, I hope to improve my English. I returned to volunteer again because I love Leeds, there is so much culture here: opera, dance, theatre and music – you will always find something to do!”

Manuel

“Hello, I am Manuel! I was originally born in Chile, but have lived in Spain for eight years, where I studied psychology. I found Art Hostel through the website WorldPackers, it was the only hostel I found that was offering the opportunity for me to volunteer and live in. Friends had told me Leeds was a beautiful city, with lots to do and a great atmosphere and they were right! I have just began my time at Art Hostel and am really excited to see what the next month brings.”

Andrea

“I am Andrea, I am 22 years old and I am Spanish. I came to Leeds and Art Hostel in particular to improve my English. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and explore a different place. I love all of Art Hostel! The walls, the beds, all of it and of course, the people. The people here are what I love the most. I really like that you don’t need to use the bus, if you don’t want to, you can walk and see all of the city itself. It’s a small city centre with so much in it, it is just lovely. I worked as a teacher before Art Hostel and I hope my time here will improve my English before I return to teaching.”

Morgan

“Hi, I am Morgan and I am originally from Texas. I have just finished studying my masters at Leeds Beckett, and while I was studying, I was an intern at Art Hostel. My lease ended and I figured, why not try hostel life for a bit, as I had really enjoyed working there while I was studying. I didn’t know Leeds had any hostels before I found here. I went to a few events by City Life International and made some connections on social media and discovered Art Hostel! I needed a plan what to do next, I was interested by the idea of working/living at the hostel, I met with the manager and really liked the vibe.”

“The best place in Leeds for me is Belgrave Music Hall! Me and my friend would go there on study break to go get pizza and a beer and sometimes catch some live music in the evening if we were lucky! I think after Art Hostel, I will move back to Texas, to go home and work a few months and save up some money. After that, I would love to go to Australia and do some more hostel work.”

“There is so much love in this hostel.” , Angela

Have you recently moved to the city as a new student? Or are you just a traveller visiting our humble city? Want to know the best places for art, music, culture, food and a cheap pint? You’re in luck! We have come together and created a plan for how we’d best explore Leeds’ greatest independent spots in a week! Enjoy!

Monday – take a trip to Kirkgate Market

Let’s start the week just round the corner from us, with a visit to our lovely neighbour Kirkgate Market (open Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5.30pm). Boasting a maze of stands selling local fresh produce, plants, fabric and so much more, the market is definitely worth a visit! With such a diverse range of stalls and great student-friendly prices, you’re bound to come away with what you were looking for (and maybe a few extras you weren’t!).

Afterwards, (if you have managed to resist Kirkgate’s plentiful street food) take a five minute stroll down Kirkgate to Cafe and Gallery 164. Check out its current exhibition and enjoy (probably) one of the best homemade sandwich in Leeds!

Tuesday – welcome to Hyde Park

Go just outside of Leeds to Hyde Park, (a more student-y Hyde Park, than the one in London). Take a walk through the green and leafy Woodhouse Moor. Bang in the middle of Hyde Park, it’s a good nearby spot to escape from the bustle of the city and stop for an afternoon picnic in the sun! In the colder months, the park is a beautiful place for a snowy winter walk. With tennis courts, allotments, a skatepark, a weekly Park Run and yearly Unity Day, there’s always something happening there.

Start your day with a coffee in the cosy arts and music cafe, Hyde Park Book Club. Play one of its many board games or treat yourself to a slice of cake, and don’t forget to pick up a print from a local artist before you leave.

At the heart of this student suburb is the Hyde Park Picture House. Catch an independent or classic film in this charming old school cinema. Feeling bit peckish after the film? It’s just a short stroll to LS6 Cafe. Choose from a range of yummy food and enjoy relaxing in this rustic art filled cafe. They often host dj sets, comedy nights, mini-markets and much more!

Afterwards, pop next door and take a wander round a vintage and antique haven, Retro Boutique and see what treasures you can find. Finish the day off at Brudenell Social Club with a well priced pint, a game of pool and a gig!

Wednesday – marvel at The Corn Exchange

It’s Wednesday and time to take a trip to another one of our architecturally beautiful neighbours, The Corn Exchange. Boasting a hive of independent businesses, from fashion to food, this impressive building is definitely worth a visit. Take a wander round little green paradise, The Plant Point and pick up a leafy friend to brighten up your new abode. Fancy yourself a bit of a photographer or just want a new camera to capture this colourful city? Head over to WY Cameras for all your camera needs, they even stock their own branded 35mm film!

Getting a bit peckish from all that shopping? Grab a bite at Humpit. It’s a hummus lovers heaven! If you have a vegan in your party, this spot is a must try and even if not, we would definitely recommend giving it a visit.

Before you leave, treat yourself to a can of independent beer to take home from Little Leeds Beerhouse.

Running right across the front of The Corn Exchange is Call Lane, probably one of Leeds’ most well known streets. Call Lane is renowned for its numerous bars, however there are a few hidden, lesser known gems in-between the cocktail bars, one being Blue Rinse. If you prefer to shop vintage/second hand, look no further than this brightly blue painted corner shop. Get lost in three floors of paisley, cord and gingham garms!

If you don’t want the night to end yet, sample some of Call Lanes finest watering holes. We suggest a trip to Oporto – live music venue, bar and vegan junk food kitchen.

Thursday – explore Leeds’ arcades

Start your day with a full mind-body workout with a free yoga session at Belgrave Music Hall. Feeling like you need a refuel afterwards, pick up a (very large) slice of pizza from doughboys. To continue your peaceful day, take a stroll around Leeds arcades, with Queen’s, Grand, Thornton’s and Central arcades as well as Victoria Quarter, there is a lot to explore! Look out for Britain’s largest stained glass window, a vibrant skylight of orange, yellow, green and blue that forms the roof of the Victoria Quarter.

If you are feeling like continuing your healthy day, pop into Roots and Fruits for some vegetarian grub! Alternatively, if you feel like treating yourself, head over to Just Grand Vintage Tearoom for afternoon tea and enjoy their floral vintage decor with a scone and jam!

Image credit: Leeds List

Friday – take an art tour

Leeds has so many arts spaces, some more well-known than others, such as Leeds Art Gallery, and some more tucked away, such as Old Red Bus Station!

Start your day at The Tetley, a former brewery turned contemporary arts centre. Another impressive building with a variety of changing workshops and exhibitions. Before exploring what’s on upstairs, head to its popular bar and kitchen, located on the ground floor. Set yourself up for the day with a cup of freshly ground coffee, and why not try something off the Yorkshire inspired menu – there’s 10% student discount every day on food and drink!

Once you’ve explored The Tetley, head back into town past Kirkgate, try and spot the ‘Welcome to Leeds’ mural by Nathan Evans on your way (it’s quite hard to miss)! Other public art to look out for on your way – ‘Cornucopia’ on Call Lane and the large mural quote ‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, design from tomorrow’ by Ian Kirkpartick. This latter work is just off of Vicar Lane where you’ll find 130 Vicar Lane, home to Leeds Print Workshop. Check out what the print coop is up to and try your hand at printing at one of the many workshops and programme. You’ll also be able to spot a variety of East Street Arts’ A City Less Grey pieces on your travels too!

A few doors down from Leeds Print Workshop, you’ll find The Old Red Bus Station. While it is mainly a bar and kitchen, it hosts a range of music and arts events, so keep an eye out for creative happening in that space!

Later on, head over to recently renovated Leeds City Art Gallery, and you might just be in time to join in their weekly meet and make sessions!

Saturday – chill out in the city

It’s our favourite day of the week! We’d recommend that you head to The Ox Club at Headrow House for a fabulous brunch (the french toast is to die for!), drop in the Beer Hall for an afternoon of chat and chill and if you don’t fancy brunch there’s also a wallet friendly steak and chips deal which you’re sure to love the sound…and taste…of.

Fancy flicking through some vinyl? While away the hours at Jumbo Records or Crash Records are both a good shout and very close to Headrow House!

Image credit: Kirsty Garland

In the evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Nip to the waterfront at Water Lane for pizza and beer at Water Lane Boathouse or head to Northern Monk for some relaxed vibes; stay at the top of town and see what Merrion Street has to offer (Belgrave and North Bar are great choices); or venture back to Call Lane (see above for details).

You could also catch yourself a train out of the city… see The Piece Hall in Halifax, head to the The Hepworth in Wakefield or ride that rail to Hebden Bridge to see a quaint Yorkshire town at its best – there’s a great Saturday market and cinema there too!

Sunday – become a fully-fledged Leeds expert!

Take a Sunday stroll along the canal and maybe even hop onto the water taxi for a free scenic tour. Hop off at Leeds Dock and head back through Kirkgate to our friendly neighbour, Wapentake for a hearty sunday roast. A firm favourite of ours! While you are around the Kirkgate area, pop over the road to Fred Aldous and pick up some art supplies. They have everything you could ever think of for your next creative project.

In the evening we’d suggest heading across to the Sunday pay as you feel theatre at Holbeck Underground Ballroom. Alternatively, if you are feeling like a boogie, try the Sunday Joint at Hifi Club and enjoy a night of free live jazz and soul!

Let us know the best place you discovered in your first week in Leeds in the comments below.

Art Hostel, Leeds
16th October – 30th November 2018

Seeding your idea:
Have you visited, stayed or volunteered at the Art Hostel? If so, what idea did you take away from your experience? We want you to share this concept on a map, which is a central part of the project Seeding Art Currency.

Taking part:
• Tag your current location on our Seeding Art Currency map using a pin.
• Add a sentence responding to the question – what idea did you take out into the world after your Art Hostel experience?

Your contributions to our virtual world map will become part of a real-world mural in the hostel project space. Painted by artist, Bobbi Rae directly on the hostel wall, the pins will be represented with real seeds. You will be able to see the mural in further postings, surrounded by other artworks, all linked by themes of currency, seeds and transience.

There’s also a special launch event on 16th October from 6pm at the Art Hostel. Find out more and book your place, here.

Your collective ideas will go on to become other forms of art through the project’s open programme of events, the details of which will be posted at the launch on 16th October.

Seeds of the project:
The project emerges through the shared ideas of researcher Janine Sykes, East Street Arts, contributing artists and collaborators (see below). Janine is exploring curation as a blended practice, where the project space is both online and physical. She is interested in placing citizens’ at the centre of art projects (citizen occupation) to achieve an ethical practice.

Art as living currency
We will use the notion of art as ‘living currency’ to celebrate the Art Hostel, which is a social enterprise that encourages creative exchanges and ethical travel – both life-enhancing and transient activities. Like seeds, many friendships and creative ideas grow within the walls of the hostel, then disperse and flourish elsewhere.

Seeding art
‘Seeding’ is a phrase reappropriated from the digital industries to focus the achievement of the hostel, in the creation of a ‘commons’ – where global citizens ‘make, create, debate, sleep and explore’.

Collaborative events
Located at the Art Hostel on Kirkgate, in a former seed factory, the project brings together a mural with a series of artists’ works. A participatory and sensuous open events programme will also take place on the themes of currency, seeds and transience. All details of the programme will be announced on 16th October and the project runs through until 30th November.

Artists and collaborators
Paul Bennett-Todd
Sherelene Cuffe
Joy Hindmoor
Bobbi Rae
Gry Worre Hallberg
Found Fiction
Tales of a City

This project is supported by East Street Arts and forms part of the charity’s own programme within the Art Hostel.