Welcome to the Advent Calendar, day 7. Leeds Animation Workshop put on a fantastic multimedia exhibition at Shine in Harehills, celebrating the history and culture of Harehills and its back-to-backs.
As usual, this post is also available in podcast format – and I’ll apologise in advance, I have a bit of a cold, so it’s not the best recording… but the Advent Calendar waits for no one
Leeds Animation Workshop is a beautiful organisation, formed in 1978, based right here in Harehills, and run by women. It aims to create animation and art projects that make complex or sensitive issues accessible.
I first learned about them from a stream of animations, old and new, during the pandemic. It was compelling and exciting stuff.
When I next heard about them, it was in March earlier this year when advertisements for the Harehills Culture Show started popping up, an exhibition taking part at Shine in Harehills.
This project was part of the Leeds 2023: My World, My City, My Neighbourhood initiative.
So I went along to the opening night and found a unique, truly local and heartwarming celebration of Harehills, with stories of its housing and its residents throughout the ages, artistic representations of our lovely back-to-backs produced by local school children in a variety of styles and techniques, a vast tapestry, art from talented adults, and unique films.
This was Harehills in its glory.
The depth of talent in our little community amazes me.
It must have amazed many other people, too, as the event was extended through to mid-Easter so that others could see it.
I loved these boxes and black paper artwork.
Young people see the world in vivid colours, and I’m all for it.
And check out this detail on this piece of embroidery. It really does blow me away what people are able to do
I didn’t take many photos while I was there, but as usual, amazing people from the community and Leeds Animation Workshop themselves captured the wonder and joy of the exhibition on social media
https://www.facebook.com/groups/785553665631795/permalink/1123645395155952/
Finally managed to get around to @ShineLeeds to view the Harehills Culture Show.
— Salma Arif (@CllrSalmaArif) April 7, 2022
Supported by @LEEDS_2023 the exhibition showcases local artists & is a treat for the eyes 🎨🎭🖼 pic.twitter.com/HdgwvNhQSm
That immense tapestry didn’t just vanish, it moved to Woodhouse Community Centre, and you can see just how big and amazing it is.
Aaaaaand it’s up!! The Baywater Tapestry is on display in our main hall !!
— Woodhouse Community Centre (@Oblongleeds) June 22, 2022
It is a HUGE knitted sculpture, made by 35 people of Leeds with @leedsanimation Workshop. The Bayswater Tapestry is a collaborative artwork, representing a typical Leeds terrace of back-to-back houses! pic.twitter.com/SBLXbbt0lT
Leeds Animation Workshop has amazing events and projects, so you should check them out at their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instragram
Harehills ❤️ Love 
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