Pop down to city centre’s crafty new place to play

Youngsters in Leeds can get creative this summer in a colourful new space designed to help them channel their inner artist.

Starting this weekend, Victoria Gardens, outside Leeds Art Gallery, will be home to the eye-catching Pop Up and Play pavilion, which will host a two-week programme of free activities and events.

Created through a partnership between Leeds City Council, Leeds Art Gallery and the award winning DLA Design, Pop Up and Play will give young people and families the chance to make environmentally-friendly junk sculptures, craft their own bird feeders and create origami birds under an innovative geodesic dome.

Taking place from July 22 until August 5, the unique space will also host a huge programme of free, family-friendly activities.

Some of the programme will be inspired by the gallery’s spectacular Natural Selection exhibition, which celebrates the diversity of natural forms and explores different ways of looking at natural history.

The programme will include a takeover day by Leeds-based Inkwell Arts on Friday, July 27 from 11am -1pm and 2pm - 4pm, where members will deliver playful activities, inspired by the stunning objects in the exhibition.

On July 31 from 11am - 1pm, young people can create their own comics inspired by a character created for the exhibition by artist Andy Holden and Aug 4 will see Yorkshire Sculpture International take over the space from 11am until 1pm then 2pm until 4pm after working with community groups across the city.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “This exciting and innovative space will bring hundreds of families together at the heart of the city centre to explore and experience culture and the arts in a fun and engaging atmosphere for free.

“Our ambition is for culture to be an integral part of all aspects of life in Leeds and making the wonderful exhibitions hosted by our museums and galleries accessible to people of all ages plays a huge role in accomplishing that.”

Sarah Brown , programme and projects co-ordinator with Leeds Art Gallery added: “Pop Up and Play 2018 brings together artists, architects and audiences to transform Victoria Gardens into an extraordinary programme of activity inspired by the exhibition Natural Selection at Leeds Art Gallery.”

Other activities will include a chance to see fascinating old maps of Leeds on July 26 from 1-2pm and use them to find out more about how our ancestors moved through the city.

And on August 5, a special event will celebrate the end of Pop Up and Play on the same day as Leeds Pride, with a rainbow themed feast.

Events take place on Victoria Gardens outside Leeds Art Gallery from Sunday, July 22 until Sunday August 5.

For more details and a full programme of events, visit: http://www.popupandplay.co.uk/

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk