Leeds' Sunny Bank Mills Art Gallery Secures £21,000 Arts Council England Grant to Champion Access and Inclusivity

Sunny Bank Mills Art Gallery, between Leeds and Bradford in the vibrant village of Farsley, has been awarded £21,262 by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants Fund. This funding will enable the gallery to significantly enhance accessibility and inclusivity within its arts programme through a new visual arts exhibition titled LORE.

Scheduled to run from October 19th to December 24th, 2024, LORE will delve into the rich and diverse world of folklore, drawing on the stories and customs that have shaped communities over generations.

Advancing Access and Inclusion in the Arts

Anna Turzynski, the Arts Director and Co-Curator of LORE at Sunny Bank Mills, expressed her excitement over the grant, highlighting its potential to transform the gallery's approach to accessibility and inclusion. Turzynski was particularly inspired by her experiences at LEEDS 2023, where she observed the profound impact that even small changes could have on enhancing the experience for both artists and audiences.

“The entire team is fully behind this initiative,” Turzynski stated. “Our hope is that LORE will not only bring high-quality art to the forefront but also serve as a learning opportunity, allowing us to develop best practices in making art accessible to all. This exhibition is more than just an event; it’s a stepping stone towards a more inclusive future at Sunny Bank Mills.”

A central goal of the LORE exhibition is to attract new audiences to Sunny Bank Mills. The gallery plans to use the insights gained from this exhibition as a blueprint for future events, ensuring that their programmes continue to be welcoming and inclusive. A particular focus will be on engaging artists from non-white backgrounds and those with lived experiences of disabilities, including Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individuals, or those with any protected characteristic.

LORE: A Celebration of Folklore and Diverse Artistic Expression

Co-Curator Sonia Moran described the theme of folklore as "generous," noting that it lends itself to a wide array of interpretations across various mediums. Historically, folklore has often been dismissed by elitist institutions, despite its roots in the collective creativity of ordinary people who seek to share their stories and cultural heritage.

“This exhibition is an exciting opportunity to see how a diverse group of artists, makers, musicians, performers, poets, and designers will respond to our Call Out,” Moran shared. “Folklore is all about inclusivity and the shared creation of culture, making it the perfect theme for an exhibition that aims to celebrate diverse voices.”

Artists interested in participating can apply with either new or existing works in any medium. The Call Out, open until August 30th, 2024, offers 10 seed commissions of £154 each to help selected artists develop their proposals. Three of these artists will then be awarded larger commissions of up to £2,558, along with a materials budget, to bring their visions to life.

The exhibition will showcase work that tells personal and communal stories, whether rooted in traditional folklore or newly created narratives.

Enhancing Access to Artistic Opportunities

LORE’s commitment to inclusivity extends to the application process itself. To ensure that all artists have the opportunity to apply, information about the Call Out is available in multiple formats, including Easy Read, audio, video, and written translations in Polish and Urdu. The gallery encourages artists from all backgrounds to submit their work, regardless of formal qualifications.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for artists to present their unique interpretations of folklore, encompassing customs, tales, sayings, dances, and material objects that reflect the personal craft of the creators. By memorialising communities and celebrating the individuality of the artists, LORE aims to forge new connections and create a more inclusive space for the arts at Sunny Bank Mills.

About Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills is a thriving cultural and community hub in Yorkshire, known for its vibrant artists’ community and array of independent businesses. Located in Farsley, West Leeds, the gallery plays a crucial role in the local arts scene, providing a space where creativity and community intersect.

For more details on how to apply for the LORE exhibition or to learn more about Sunny Bank Mills, visit the gallery's website or reach out via email or phone. With this latest initiative, Sunny Bank Mills continues to demonstrate its commitment to making art accessible to all, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share in the rich tapestry of folklore and cultural expression.