| Inspired by places they stayed whilst travelling, East Street Arts’ Jon Wakeman and Karen Watson’s mission was to create affordable yet imaginative accommodation in Leeds. |
| Leeds’ Art Hostel closed its doors on Kirkgate prematurely in early 2019, after being open for fewer than three years. After buying New York Studios in Mabgate, East Street Arts is now undertaking a transformation of the building to provide better accommodation from April 2021. |
| The 12 rooms to accommodate a total of 60 beds will provide a comfortable yet fun place to stay, offering insight into different artists’ practice and thinking. One room’s decor will focus on 1980’s alternative culture. There’ll be a sensory safe space, a room inspired by local East African communities and another inspired by Folklore. Rhian Aitken, Hostel Manager (pictured): “In these uncertain times it is great for us to offer the people of Leeds and travellers from overseas something to look forward to!” The artists commissioned for the 2021 Art Hostel are: Akeelah Bertram & Julian McIntosh Alison Smith Andrew Small Bernd Trasberger Caraboo Edwin Li, Sarah Li & Lady Kitt Emma Bentley Fox Jesse Wright Jonathan Lang Kadija de Paula & Chico Togni Kevin Chege Louise McKenzie Mandy Barker Mary & Jiem of Wanderlust Social Club Matilda Njau MO Barrangi Precious Collective Sayang Sound Thompson Brand Partners YOKE Sponsors: Gill Crawshaw & Mick Ward Unlimited Thompson Brand Partners Yorkshire Property Charitable Trust Kinrise Leeds Dock Hammerson Ltd Dobson Construction and Richard Boothroyd & Associates ensured that the new Art Hostel came to fruition. No doubt the new Hostel will provide the kind of welcome which was described by a volunteer who visited from Italy: “It doesn’t matter who you are, and where you come from…you’ll always be able to find a place where you feel at home, surrounded by beautiful people. That place is the Art Hostel!” |
