No
_Space
Left
To
Play
We are
standing up
for Leeds’
community
venues
We want a sustainable future for creativity and community in Leeds and we’re inviting people to come together to help make that happen.
No Space Left to Play is a platform for reflection on, discussion around and action to change the trajectory of development in our city so that our creative and community spaces thrive.
Share your memories
We want to tell the story of Leeds’ much-loved community spaces* through your anecdotes, memories and stories.
This is our shared story about the spaces that bring us together to make stuff, practice, play, gain experience, grow confidence, build community and have fun. The spaces could be closed, going strong or in a precarious situation.
*
- community centres
- galleries
- workshops
- studios
- music & dance spaces
Memories
The wonderfully colourful facade of 130 Vicar Lane, where East Street Arts supported Leeds Print Workshop to launch, and develop a community print space. It was a brilliant spot in the heart of the city centre but sadly the building was in a poor state of repair and, being in an area earmarked for redevelopment, the landlords didn’t invest in it. Screw gallery moved in for a time afterwards but now it stands empty and being propped up with scaffolding.
Kirstie
LAB (before it became CLAY) - the Tour De France party, Cheddar Gorgeous responding to Brexit, Christeene, Mykki Blanco, David Hoyle and a fabulous Halloween party - highlights among an awesome array of other shows. Yes there was the phoenix return - but still; some amazing memories in a former car showroom of all places.
Jon
A painting workshop, Inkwell's garden in summer, 2015? Tall grass buzzing with insects, teetering make-do shelters for a little delicious shade. Biscuits on a plate & chipped, mismatched mugs for tea. Smell of paint in the sun, tinkling of brushes cleaned in old jars. Happy, peaceful, focussed faces- time and breathing slowed. The warmth and safety of shared space, with reassuring permanence felt from the years of clutter, well-used furniture & homely smells. Shared giggles over spilled paint.
E
The Tetley has always had a special place in my heart with a winning combination of art and heritage. My children were small at the time it opened and it was a great place to go with them. The family workshops (free!) were brilliant, because they worked for the kids and were great fun to do as an adult. The other feature of the Tetley, which always made it a ‘go to’ was the outside space. There was enough for the children to run around with their friends, but within sight of us.
Jane
Full Circle @ Aire Place Mills
Chris I'Anson
Enjoy Art Space, Mabgate. Fun times.
Chris I'Anson
Blueberry Hills Studios offered a low cost venue to run events that helped us get off the ground.
Chris I'Anson
The Musiquarium gave us the chance to book experimental artists that other more traditional venues would shy away from. Another loss for leeds
Chris
Studio 24 provided a space to help get our events off the ground and running. Sadly missed with a wonderful team.
Chris I'Anson
The Yarden at Sheaf Street was a treasured space and is already very much missed. Dancing on the benches with one of my best mates Alice became a yearly ritual, signalling the start of summer and to celebrate that feeling of dancing with all our friends at once. Among countless memories I had chance to play there twice and both times had moments I’ll savour for life.
James
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