Calling all Picassos for ‘Art in the Park’ celebration to mark completion of first Morley Town Deal project

The free, half-term week ‘Art in the Park’ event will be held in the park between 11am-3pm on Thursday 1 June, to celebrate the completion of the first project funded by the Morley Town Deal.

The works at Hembrigg Park have seen the installation of a new children’s play area and an outdoor adult gym, new seating and litter bins, new fencing, and the planting of trees and flowers. The project is the first of many improvements to be delivered by the Morley Town Deal and Leeds City Council over the next three years, utilising a £24.3m government Towns Fund grant.

Photo: Leeds City Council - work to install a new children's play area in Hembrigg Park. 

The Art in the Park celebration will see young people and families work with Leeds artist, The Cortisol Kid, supported by United Art Project and Ahead Partnership, to create a new ecology and biodiversity-themed mural for the park’s changing rooms.

As well as exploring the new equipment and enjoying the park’s enhanced surroundings, a range of other activities will be available. These will include art workshops, a local art trail, and a chance to share thoughts on public art and street art in the area, focusing on how the community can celebrate Morley through murals and other artistic mediums. All materials needed on the day will be supplied free of charge.

Speaking ahead of the celebration event, Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “By using the ideas and inspiration of young Morley people, we can build a long-lasting sense of pride and ownership in the park, while also getting a fantastic piece of art for all to enjoy.

“It would be great to see as many members of the community as possible get involved in its creation.”

Gerald Jennings, Chair of the Morley Town Deal Board, added: “Everyone involved with the Morley Town deal is delighted to start delivery of the projects for the people of Morley.

“I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate this milestone than to have a lasting piece of public art that people can enjoy for many years to come.”