Who Am I To You? at Treasures of the Brotherton, Leeds University, Until 3 October

It is ten years since the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery opened. Their celebration exhibition, Who Am I to You? looks backwards and forwards. There are books in this exhibition, as befits a gallery set up to explore the archives of the Brotherton Library, but the dominant displays feature busts. These sculptures, many of which […]
The Freshwater Five: at Wakefield’s Theatre Royal on 4 March and Touring

In 2011, five fishermen on the Isle of Wight (Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Daniel Payne, Scott Birtwistle and Zoran Dresic) were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53m worth of cocaine. They have continually professed their innocence. The Freshwater Five is based upon their experiences and the campaign by APPEAL […]
Swing That Music: Down for the Count All-stars – at City Varieties Music Hall on 30 January

Leeds City Varieties was a great setting for the Down for the Count All-stars. Band leader Mike Paul-Smith has a style of jovial wit that seems well suited to a music hall and was clearly happy to be back in Leeds. The 10-piece band filled the venue with energy, elegance, and expertise. All wonderful musicians […]
Smart Works Launches International Women’s Day Programme at Elland Road

On Wednesday 28th January, Smart Works launched their International Women’s Day programme at Elland Road. Supporters, volunteers and staff gathered to hear about events, the work of Smart Works and their plans. Most people’s perception of Smart Works is an organisation that provides unemployed women with smart clothes. But it is so much more than […]
What the Hand Remembers: at East Street Arts Until 13 February

What the Hand Remembers is a group exhibition bringing together four artists whose practices focus on making as a way of holding knowledge. It was also for me a celebration of young women in art. The four artists, and curator Shazia Bibi, have clearly undertaken a positive collaborative process to bring together four styles of […]