Modern Folklore at Sunny Bank Mills’ ‘LORE’ Exhibition

If you like folklore, art or just want to see a new side of storytelling LORE at Sunny Bank Mills Art Gallery might be for you. This exhibition runs until 24th December 2024 and features 14 artists from across the UK who have put their own spin on folklore. It’s a fascinating look at how folklore – those old stories and traditions passed down through the generations – can connect us and help us make sense of life today. Free entry.

What’s LORE?

So what does a “contemporary folklore exhibition” mean? LORE is all about the stories we tell to explain the tricky bits of life – the things we struggle with or the moments that make us stop. Folklore is full of myths, legends and characters that reflect the values, fears and hopes of a community. In LORE each artist has put their own spin on these themes, their own personal stories and the kind of “lore” that feels relevant and alive today.

Anna Turzynski, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills and co-curator of the exhibition says they wanted LORE to be a space where you feel connected and included. Whether you just want to enjoy the art, get into the stories or even share some of your own folklore.

“Folklore felt like the perfect context for this work”

Turzynski says

“it helps us make sense of personal and social landscapes that can be tricky to navigate.”

The LORE artists

Selecting the final artists for LORE wasn’t easy. The gallery received over 500 applications which shows just how many people want to tell their stories through art. From this huge pool 10 artists were offered a small “seed commission” to develop their ideas further and 3 were offered a larger commission. These commissioned works plus 4 other works from the application process make up the exhibition.

Some of the artists you’ll see at LORE:

• Herfa Martina Thompson (one of the big commission recipients)
• Libby Bove (one of the big commission recipients)
• Yeu-Lai Mo (the third big commission recipient)
• Other great artists like Adam Hogarth, Jihyun Kim, Woo Jin Joo

Each work in LORE has its own story. Some tell old tales that resonate across the generations, others are creating new “lore” right now, reflecting our current culture. These works allow you to connect with folklore in a personal and universal way – maybe you’ll even see parts of your own story in them.

Beyond the art: Events and workshops

Sunny Bank Mills has filled the LORE programme with workshops and events to get people even more into the stories in the exhibition. From guided tours to hands-on sessions where you can make your own art, the idea is to get people talking. As Turzynski says

“The artworks in the gallery are just the start of the conversation.”

And that’s what LORE wants to do – create a space where stories and traditions feel live and ongoing.

These aren’t just for artists or folklore enthusiasts. They’re for anyone who wants to learn more about the stories that shape us, see different perspectives, and maybe even add their own voice to the mix.

A space to experience culture, community and creativity

Sunny Bank Mills is an arts hub in Farsley, West Leeds with a great reputation. With artists, independent businesses and exhibitions like LORE it’s become a place where art and community come together in the best way. Funded by a £21,262 grant from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants Fund the gallery wants to make art and culture accessible to everyone in the community.

If you’re in Leeds or Bradford pop by Sunny Bank Mills and be part of something. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Just remember it’s closed on Mondays!

For folklore, creativity or just something new LORE at Sunny Bank Mills is a must see. Whether you want to get into the stories, make your own art or just enjoy some amazing work there’s something in this exhibition for you.