We know that this has been a pressing time for many arts organisations nationally, with many sadly being forced to close. However, thanks to generous funding and the work of artists, staff and volunteers, we’ve managed to continue delivering a range of social support and arts initiatives and continue working with local communities in Leeds. It’s provided us with hope to see the city stay artistically and culturally connected within this time of physical distancing. 'Unlocked - Inspiration from Isolation' is a curated online exhibition space that showcases and celebrates the artistic achievements made in lockdown, going live Friday 28th January. 

Although we’ve had to adapt and change our delivery, inspiration has still come flooding in. Over the course of 8 months we’ve delivered weekly arts and wellbeing packs curated by artist Jelena Zindovic delivered to families and individuals across Gipton and East Leeds. Each pack provided art materials and tips on creative projects, healthy eating recipes, gardening and growing kits. We’ve also received a fantastic response to our Postcard Project, and celebrated the writers of our Clear Out Your Closet group with published poetry, amongst other things.  

The Unlocked gallery is  a unique collaborative online exhibition between Space2, a community of East Leeds, artists, musicians and One to One Development Trust as a response to the Covid-19 lockdown. Artists and organisations involved include: 

Carine Brosse, Kevin Hickson, Michelle Scally Clarke, Boff Whalley, Frankii Stockton, Tony Stephenson, Denise Scott, Jo Knowles, Marley, Ria, Diliana Stoyanova, Chapel FM Jazz Collective, Colour Our City Green Poetry Collective,Clear Out Your Closet Collective, Care Collective, Commoners Choir, Space2 Children's Choir and Phoenix Youth Academy. 

We’d like to say a huge thank you to the artists, staff, volunteers, funders participants and those who have engaged with us in 2020 for making this possible.