New Mural In Leeds City Centre By Elle Koziupa

Anyone walking around the Leeds city centre recently might have noticed something new and seriously impressive. A huge piece of public artwork has popped up on Aire Street, turning a regular building into a massive canvas. This isn't just any old painting; it's a 14-metre-high mural that tells the story of the city, all thanks to a collaboration between a local artist, a street art agency, and a train company. It’s a colourful celebration of everything that makes Leeds, Leeds.

What's this giant artwork all about?

The enormous mural is called 'The Embrace', and the name says it all. It’s about connections, community, and celebrating the city’s past, present, and future. Created by Leeds-based artist Elle Koziupa with the help of Global Street Art, the artwork is a vibrant mix of styles and stories. It’s been put together in partnership with CrossCountry, the train operator, which makes sense when you see what it’s about.

The design pulls together lots of different threads of the city's identity. Think of it as a visual love letter to Leeds. It’s all about showcasing the city’s unique character, from its powerful industrial history to its modern-day cultural vitality. The artwork is packed with details that people from Leeds will instantly recognise, but it’s also a brilliant introduction for visitors. It’s a story told on a wall, capturing the energy of this northern city.

The themes woven into 'The Embrace' include:

• The city's rich industrial history, remembering the textile carts that were the engine of its growth.
• Its famous cultural vitality, reflecting a place known for music, art, and creativity.
• Nods to its sporting prowess, because this is a city that loves its teams.
• Recognisable landmarks that make up the city's skyline.
• A celebration of its inclusive communities and the diverse people who call Leeds home.
• Important commercial references that highlight its status as a modern business hub.

This big, bold artwork is designed to make you feel something. It’s a reminder of the city's heritage and a celebration of the human connections that happen here every day.

The artist's vision for 'The Embrace'

The creative mind behind this huge mural is Elle Koziupa, an artist who knows the city well. Her goal was to create something that would really connect with people, whether they see it every day on their commute or just once on a visit. The central image is powerful and something most people can relate to: two people hugging on a train platform.

Elle Koziupa says: “I wanted to ensure that the artwork has an emotional and visual impact on those that see it. The central idea features a truly aspirational moment with train travel at its heart. The scene of the train platform with two people greeting each other as they are about to embark on an amazing journey or sharing a joyful reunited moment, is the foundation for many possibilities as people meet and connect.”

So, the mural is all about that moment of connection. It could be saying goodbye to someone, or a happy hello after a long time apart. It’s a scene that plays out at the nearby Leeds station thousands of times a day. The artist has used a mix of techniques to bring this moment to life, combining super-realistic painting, known as photorealism, with more expressive, painterly touches and modern graphics. This blend of styles gives the artwork a unique energy, much like the city itself.

Why a train company and a street art group?

It might seem like an unusual team-up, but the partnership between CrossCountry and Global Street Art makes perfect sense for this project. Leeds railway station is a major hub, with millions of passengers passing through each year. It’s a place all about journeys and connectivity, linking people from Leeds to the rest of the country.

The mural’s location on Aire Street is just a stone's throw from the station, making it a perfect spot to explore these themes. The artwork acts as a welcome sign and a fond farewell, reflecting the very purpose of the station and the train travel it enables. It reinforces the idea that every journey, big or small, is about making connections.

David Mullins from CrossCountry explains the thinking behind the project. He comments: “As such an important and popular transport hub, Leeds station and the city itself is the backdrop for many people’s life experiences, memory making and connectivity. We believe the stunning artwork devised and created by Elle tells the story of Leeds, its residents, and visitors, in an engaging way, touching on a range of historical, cultural, sporting, and commercial references that make Leeds what it is. CrossCountry is proud to help bring people together as they make their own personal journeys and this is perfectly encapsulated in The Embrace.”

Global Street Art, a team known for producing incredible hand-painted murals across Europe, helped bring the whole thing to life. Their expertise ensured the artist's vision could be realised on such a grand scale.

Dr Lee Bofkin from Global Street Art adds: "It has been a pleasure to work with CrossCountry, celebrating the great city of Leeds with this gorgeous mural on our Aire Street wall. I hope it brings joy to the people that see it and encourages all the more hugs."

Where and when to see the mural

Fancy seeing this amazing piece of public art for yourself? It's easy to find. The mural, 'The Embrace', is on a large wall on Aire Street, right in the city centre. If you're arriving in Leeds by train, you’ll be just a few minutes' walk away, making it one of the first and last landmarks you might see on your journey.

The artwork was officially ready for public viewing from the 28th of August. People have until the 21st of September to see it in its freshest state, though a piece of street art this significant will surely be a part of the city's landscape for a good while. It stands as a testament to the power of public art and the brilliant stories a city like Leeds has to tell. It’s more than just a painting; it's a celebration of heritage, connections, and the simple, powerful act of an embrace. It captures the spirit of the city, its people, and the endless journeys that start and end here.