Art in Unusual Spaces

This fantastic organisation is another gem that aims to keep the unique and independent arts scene in Leeds alive. I’ve read a fair bit about their projects, and intend to make 2011 the year to experience more of them, as last year (to memory) I only attended one.
I went to The Man Who Saved The World in the Autumn of 2010 and it was a fantastic, unique and completely quirky event. Basically, as a part of their projects, they’ve been using vacant retail space (I’m sure as a comment on using empty space during the economic downturn) and holding installations and events. This particular event was held in the old TK Maxx space and it was fantastically intriguing to wander through the back corridors of the Leeds Shopping Plaza, like something out of Silent Hill, to attend what felt to be an exclusive and underground party with a twist!
As we arrived we found a huge empty space, with a ring of huge screens with some random Turkish sci-​fi films being played on them, and a funky cool jazz band right in the centre. Drinks were available and it was great to see the space being used in such a quirky and intriguing fashion! My friend and enjoyed a happy hour sat on the floor watching some bizarre sci-​fi, listening to the fabulous live band and generally having a good old natter in the centre of the space.
One other project I remember seeing was set in some of the unused space in the Merrion Centre. There were sort of pin holes in the glass, which once you peered through, revealed a little art installation. It was delightful, but sadly I can’t remember the name of the artist!
At any rate, keep your eyes and ears open for any future goings on with these folk as I’m certain you won’t be disappointed!

Art In Unusual Spaces is a scheme which allows independent curators, landlords, artists and businesses throughout the city to display art in a variety of, well, unusual places. Supported Arts Council England and the Arts and Regeneration department at Leeds City Council, it is an ongoing initiative which succeeds in providing local flavour and colour.
The aim of the scheme is to utilise empty shop units and spaces within the city centre, to enable artists to use the areas as a showcase for their art. The size and scale of the individual units seem to vary massively, from large shops which have closed down, to shop hoardings. The initiative is unable to pay the artists for their efforts, but the spaces are available without paying a fee, and it must serve as excellent exposure to promote their art.
When I was at University, I walked through the main entrance one particular day, and something managed to attract my attention. Nestling secretly in an oversized plant pot, was a small toy soldier, clutching a tiny envelope. The note inside explained that a fellow student on an art course thought it would be an interesting experiment to position various inanimate objects around the building, put their contact details on it, and ask the discoverer to answer a few probing questions via email.
It felt as though I had been allowed to be privy to a artistic secret, and that is similar to the feeling I experience when uncovering a venue within this project. Although I am pro-​active in promoting this initiative, the art retains that personal touch in its deliverance.
The website is full of useful information, and there is a mailing list to be kept abreast of current or imminent exhibitions. There is a convenient and advantageous consequence to Art In Unusual Places. As well as providing Leeds with intriguing things to peruse, it also enables the recession to appear less severe.
Inevitably, various businesses have been forced to either cease trading completely or relocate, causing gaps in the high street similar to an eight year old’s teeth. But this scheme provides the patient members of the public with areas of aesthetic relief during such testing times. Bravo!

Placing art into public spaces exhibiting pieces on unusual mounts such as statute plinths and hoardings this concept brings together curators, private landlords, artists and businesses.
Exhibits include ‘Short Shorts’ a series of extremely short films ranging from seven second clips to those of 30 seconds duration, photography from exhibits such as ‘Light Night’ as well as ‘Beauty in the Ordinary’ which captures beauty in an otherwise ordinary setting from scenes around Leeds.
This is very personal to the city of Leeds so if you want to catch a glimpse of Leeds life without leaving the city it may be good to hunt down some of this art.