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Frequently asked questions

For detailed visitor information, see the ‘Plan Your Visit‘ page.

This page provides information for:

It also includes summaries of accessibility and environmental commitments.

There is a separate list of policies and procedures.

Information for Artists

Applying for Kirkstall Art Trail

The criteria are roughly outlined below:

  • based in West Yorkshire, with priority given to Kirkstall and West Leeds
  • individual artists, crafters, or designers
  • creative organisations or collectives
  • workshop facilitators
  • professional or amateur artists
  • applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for both full days

Kirkstall Art Trail welcomes applications that do not fit neatly into the criteria above.

Artists with environmental sustainability at the core of their work are particularly encouraged to apply.

Kirkstall Art Trail supports a culture of inclusion and encourages artists from all backgrounds to apply.

For help with the application, or questions about eligibility, contact us. Apply through CuratorSpace.

There is no charge to apply, and participation in Kirkstall Art Trail is free. Removing financial barriers to taking part is important to Kirkstall Art Trail, particularly for emerging artists.

Participation may still involve costs of its own – for example, printing or preparing work for display – and these remain the artist’s responsibility.

Accepted artists are encouraged to make a donation to Kirkstall Art Trail where they are able, with £10 recommended. Donations support Kirkstall Art Trail to continue running.

The following is an overview:

  • up to five examples of your work
  • a short artist bio, written in first person, with a limit of 75 words – used for your artist profile on the website if successful; you could include the style of art you use and what inspires you to create
  • a clear description of what you intend to exhibit or your activity – this can describe an idea still in its initial stages, or work created specifically for the Art Trail
  • venue details, if applicable – you do not need to provide your own venue, but let us know if you are using your own premises or pairing up with one provided by friends or family
  • your social media and website, if you have them

Available space depends on the venues on offer that year, so what is eventually shown may need to be edited to fit the allocated venue.

This is a family friendly event – keep this in mind when choosing work to exhibit.

Midnight on Sunday, 11 April 2027.

Priority is given to applicants based in Kirkstall, West Leeds, and the surrounding areas.

Applications are also assessed on whether the proposal is workable within the Art Trail as a whole. Applicants may be contacted for further information before a submission is accepted.

Some applicants may encounter barriers when showing their work. Kirkstall Art Trail aims to provide a place for these applicants where practicable and possible, and may work with the applicant on a solution or, where possible, signpost them to a more suitable opportunity.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome and next steps once assessment is complete.

Successful artists are informed within three weeks of the application closing date.

To avoid missing messages, check that the following email notifications are turned on in CuratorSpace:

  • Tell me when someone sends me a message.
  • Tell me when my submission is successfully received by a curator.

As Kirkstall Art Trail is a volunteer-led organisation, notification may take longer than anticipated. Applicants who have not heard back a month after the deadline should contact us.

KiKirkstall Art Trail wants applicants to know that accessibility adjustments can be requested at any stage of the application process. This includes:

  • answering questions about the application form, and providing it in a different format if needed
  • accommodating preferred communication methods, so information is received in a way that works for the applicant
  • access adjustments over the event weekend – these do not have to relate to a physical need to be requested

The application form includes an “accessibility requirements” section where these needs can be noted directly. Requests can also be made by contacting us.

Accepted submissions

Successful applicants will first receive a message through CuratorSpace about their submission status, followed by direct contact by email.

A contract with the terms and conditions for exhibiting will be sent. This should be read and agreed to by ticking the confirmation box, then submitted to confirm participation.

Add info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk to contacts so that messages do not end up in junk or spam folders.

As the organising committee is volunteer-led, response times during this period may be slower than expected. Messages will be answered as soon as possible.

After we have accepted artists, each applicant is then matched with a suitable venue. We aim to make the matches Once artists are accepted, each applicant is matched with a suitable venue. Matches are made to the best of the organising team’s ability, taking into account factors such as:

  • accessibility requirements specified by the applicant
  • the type of work being submitted for exhibition

Some matches are more complex than others. Host venues will be confirmed before the beginning of June.

Initially, Kirkstall Art Trail will try to match artists to a venue based on what they plan to exhibit. Bear in mind that the final selection may need editing to fit the space – conversely, more space than anticipated may become available.

Available space ultimately depends on the venue allocated. Exhibition logistics should be discussed with other artists (if applicable) and the venue host.

First-time applicants who are still unsure should get in touch to discuss plans and expectations.

Yes, artists must arrange their own public liability insurance.

Public and product liability insurance protects against financial risk if someone is injured, or their property damaged, because of an artist’s artwork or art activities. Even with precautions in place, accidents can still happen. This insurance can help cover compensation payments and legal costs if a claim is made.

Public and product liability insurance is available from Axis as a benefit of its Associate membership. Membership is open at any stage of an artist’s career, and concessionary rates are available if cost is a barrier. Find out more on the Axis website.

Questions or concerns can be directed to Kirkstall Art Trail by contacting us or by emailing info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk.

Appropriate risk assessments must be in place for the whole Art Trail, including all individual activities. A general risk assessment is provided to all artists so they can be aware of relevant risks and follow the controls in place, whether or not they are delivering an activity.

Artists delivering an activity will need to apply the assessment specifically to that activity. Any risk not covered by the assessment should be reported to Kirkstall Art Trail immediately, either by contacting us or by direct email at info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk.

Support is available for artists who have not carried out a risk assessment before.

Steps for carrying out a risk assessment:

Identify hazards. Anything that could cause harm, no matter how big or small – for example, scissors, furniture, or people’s belongings.

Effect of the hazard. Consider the effect of the hazard. For example, in public spaces, artwork can cause hazards such as injuries, trips, and falls.

Assess the risks. Once hazards are identified, decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how serious the harm could be. Kirkstall Art Trail uses a ‘risk rating matrix’ for this, rating both the ‘consequences’ of the hazard and the ‘likelihood’ of it occurring.

Control the risks. Review what is currently done, and what more could be done, to ensure the risk does not occur where ‘reasonably practicable’ – meaning as much as possible is done to protect people from harm. For example, an activity involving scissors carries a higher risk of injury without controls in place. Controls could include demonstrating good practice for using equipment, informing participants about hazards and accident prevention, and counting cutting implements at the start and end of the session.

Responsibilities. For every risk, someone must be responsible for ensuring controls are carried out. Responsibility is generally collective, but artists have more direct control over the risks within their own activity.

Residual risk rating. Once controls are in place, the risk is reassessed. This should be lower than the initial rating.

Kirkstall Art Trail does not currently have funding to reimburse artists for delivering workshops. This cost should be factored into any proposal. Artists are free to ask visitors for a donation or a fee for workshop participation.

From time to time, artist facilitators may be hired for grant-funded projects. These roles are recruited and contracted separately from the main artist call-out. See Artist Opportunities for current paid roles.

WeAn artist directory is created so visitors can see who each artist is. The directory links to each artist’s full profile.

Profiles are populated using information provided through CuratorSpace:

  • Artist name. The name given in the ‘artist or group name’ field on the application form – this may differ from the contact name if a group or stage name is used, or will match the contact name if left blank.
  • Art form. The type of art practised – for example, ceramics, painting, illustration, or sculpture.
  • Artist bio. The short statement provided at application, written in first person. A language editor proofreads and checks all statements, and may rewrite or shorten parts to fit the rest of the website. The maximum length is 75 words for all artists.
  • Online presence. Website and social media links, if provided, are added and checked to ensure they work.
  • Activity. Activities offered are included, alongside any relevant cost and suitability for children. A separate activity directory is also available.

One image from those submitted is selected for use on the profile.

A draft profile is emailed once complete. At this stage, artists can check:

  • if there are any mistakes
  • if there is any missing information
  • if a different image should be used in place of the one selected.

With over 100 artists taking part in 2026, this is time-consuming work for the volunteer team. Getting the profile right the first time is helpful to the process.

Limited volunteer resources are used to publicise the event. Artists are encouraged to help raise awareness of Kirkstall Art Trail – word of mouth is often the most effective tool for promotion, so sharing in as many ways as possible is welcomed.

Social media

Kirkstall Art Trail uses both Instagram and Facebook, with posts made throughout the year, intensifying in the lead-up to the event in July.

There are currently over 3,000 followers on Instagram and 1,600 on Facebook. Sharing on social media is encouraged – tag Kirkstall Art Trail in the post to be considered for a repost or story share.

Posters and flyers

Posters and flyers are distributed across Kirkstall and Leeds. Artists able to distribute posters in their area are asked to contact us.

Through other means

Once available, the printed and online map of the Art Trail advertises who is where and what’s on.

News is shared regularly on the website and with newsletter subscribers.

Local news outlets and local network groups are also used to share information.

The Art Trail is promoted at Kirkstall Festival, the weekend before.

Working with the venue

Artists and venues are introduced by email. This email includes:

  • venue contact details
  • artist contact details
  • if sharing a venue with other artists, their names, mobile numbers, and emails

A reply confirming receipt of the introduction email is requested, so that Kirkstall Art Trail can track who has confirmed and who needs following up.

Contact with the venue should be made directly after the introduction. Any problems at this stage should be reported to Kirkstall Art Trail.

Support with introductions is available for artists who would prefer this to be done in person – get in touch to arrange this.

Venue matching decisions are based on the accessibility details provided at the time of submission.

Any concerns that a venue is not suitable for an artist’s access needs should be reported to Kirkstall Art Trail as soon as possible. Reasonable adjustments will be made, and a different location found where needed.

For any other concerns about arrangements, contact Kirkstall Art Trail to discuss a solution.

Artists sharing a venue organise the space together.

Mobile numbers provided at application are shared with the venue and fellow artists in the same space, as email can be unreliable for time-sensitive arrangements such as setup coordination.

Artists in shared venues have found that WhatsApp is the most effective way to organise. Many larger venues have an artist support who acts as liaison between the venue and the artists, and will set up a WhatsApp group for artists to join.

Each venue is individual and may use a different method of communication – working together to find the best method for the group is encouraged.

ThisDisplay is something to plan for in advance. Many venues will not allow artwork to be hung on the walls.

Some ideas for displaying work:

  • easels – available in many sizes, both tabletop and floor standing
  • print racks
  • tabletop art display stands
  • peg boards
  • baskets and nesting boxes
  • tiered cake stands
  • free-standing art display panels

Build the stall up, with small items at the front and larger ones at the back. Trial the setup before the day.

Discussing display plans with the venue beforehand is recommended – they may be able to offer solutions not yet considered.

Many venues will need setting up on the morning of Saturday 17 July, before the Art Trail opens at 11am.

Some venues, installations, or workshops may need to be set up a day or two in advance.

Times should be arranged with the venue in advance of setting up.

Host venues generously open their space to artists for the weekend, and this generosity should be recognised throughout the event. In turn, hosts and artists are expected to treat each other with the same consideration.

This includes:

  • respecting the venue and the space it provides, as if it were one’s own
  • treating each other, and all visitors, with dignity and respect
  • removing all rubbish from the premises
  • keeping spaces clean and tidy
  • looking after each other’s belongings

Art Trail weekend

Items to bring:

  • the work being exhibited
  • stock, if selling items
  • props and displays to put work on
  • table covering, such as a tablecloth
  • business cards, information, and promotional material
  • cash float or card reader
  • packaging and bags for sales

Specific setup arrangements should be confirmed with the venue host before the event.

Many venues will need to be set up on the morning of Saturday 18 July, before the Art Trail opens at 11am.

At least an hour is recommended to get ready, with setup fully complete by 10.45am.

Artists are expected to be present for both days, engaging with visitors to the Art Trail.

Reasonable exceptions may be possible. Requests should be raised in advance of the Art Trail by contacting us.

Exhibits should not be left unattended without prior arrangement, regardless of the circumstances.

Spaces should not be left unattended – the artist or the host should be there at all times.

The event spans a long weekend, and wellness breaks may be needed. Artists should arrange their own cover to allow for this. Artists sharing a venue may wish to arrange cover for each other, allowing time away in turn.

For refreshment breaks, bringing a packed lunch and water is recommended, as not all venues will have facilities to accommodate this need.

Yes, artists are welcome to sell their work. Kirkstall Art Trail takes no commission, so all profits are kept in full.

Arrangements for selling should be made in advance, including obtaining a cash float or card reader – these are not supplied by Kirkstall Art Trail.

This depends on how much is sold and how regularly. Kirkstall Art Trail cannot give tax advice – the information below is a starting point, and HMRC or a qualified accountant should be consulted for individual circumstances.

Individuals have a tax-free trading allowance of up to £1,000 per tax year for trading or casual income. If total gross trading income across the year is £1,000 or less, this generally does not need to be reported to HMRC, though records should still be kept. Where gross trading income is higher, the £1,000 allowance can still be deducted from what is reported, instead of tracking individual expenses.

Frequency and intent matter more than the artist’s own view of the activity – regular selling, even at a small scale, is more likely to be treated as trading by HMRC than an occasional one-off sale.

Full guidance is available on GOV.UK – Tax-free allowances on property and trading income.

Kirkstall Art Trail cannot give legal advice – the information below is a starting point, and further guidance should be sought for individual circumstances.

Goods sold to visitors must be of satisfactory quality, match their description, and be fit for the purpose they’re sold for, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. A stall at the Art Trail counts as a trader’s business premises for that day, so the 14-day cancellation right that applies to online or distance sales does not apply here.

Contact or business details should be available at the point of sale – a business card or similar is usually sufficient to meet this.

Some item types carry additional safety requirements beyond general consumer rights law, specific to that product category. This should be checked separately if it applies to the work being sold.

Further guidance is available from Business Companion – Selling and supplying goods.

Each venue will display a numbered sign corresponding to that location on the map. The signs all have individual QR coEach venue displays a numbered sign corresponding to that location on the map. Signs include individual QR codes linking to the venue page and artist profiles. A separate artist directory is also available on the website. Both the venue page and the directory display each artist’s own social media and website links, where provided.

Personal interactions with visitors can be invaluable, but some visitors may be shy or prefer not to engage in small talk, so having information available to take away or read independently is worthwhile:

  • signpost visitors to further information about the work on show
  • write a short bio to display at the stall, so visitors can read about the artist even when they’re busy speaking with someone else
  • have business cards available
  • print a poster with contact details – low-cost printing facilities are available at libraries and hubs across Leeds; visit Print in City for more information and Leeds City Council printing charges
  • use QR codes to provide instant access to social media or a website – these can be created for free using a tool such as QRCode Monkey

Visitors will vary in how they engage – some will browse and buy later, while others may take contact details and get in touch after the event.

The Art Trail finishes at 5pm (4.30pm at the Abbey and Museum sites) on Sunday, 18 July 2027.

Arrangements for packing up an exhibit should be made with the venue in advance.

At the close of the Art Trail, take down, pack up, and remove all belongings. The venue and exhibiting space should be left as clean and tidy as possible.

Some venues may require work to be removed and stored elsewhere at the close of Saturday. Venues should make this known to artists before the weekend.

Information for Hosts

Important information

Kirkstall Art Trail purchases event public liability insurance covering all participating venues, whether private, public, or business.

Queries about this insurance and what it covers can be directed to Jim Corah directly, via email at kirkstallarttrail@outlook.com.

Hosts remain responsible for the structural safety and security of their own venue, and for their own contents and belongings – this is not covered by the Art Trail’s event insurance. For private residences, this includes basic structural safety obligations under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.

Individual artists must hold their own public liability insurance. This covers the artist if someone is hurt or their property is damaged because of the artist’s artwork or art activities, including any damage that may occur to a host’s home. See ‘Do I need public liability insurance?‘ in the Information for Artists section.

Kirkstall Art Trail provides a general event risk assessment, which all venues and artists need to adhere to. This is included in the venue welcome pack.

As part of this, hosts should:

  • test that the main exit door opens easily from the inside and that the escape route is unobstructed
  • be aware of the maximum number of visitors the space can safely hold at one time, and monitor this during the event
  • notify Kirkstall Art Trail immediately of any accidents, near-misses, or new safety hazards that arise during event hours

Any risk not covered by the assessment should be reported to Kirkstall Art Trail immediately, either by contacting us or by direct email at info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk.

See ‘Do I need to carry out a risk assessment?‘ in the Information for Artists section for more information about risk assessments.

Kirkstall Art Trail has a Health and Safety Policy, which sets out responsibilities for coordinators, venue hosts, artists, volunteers, and visitors, alongside the general event risk assessment covered in ‘Do I need to carry out a risk assessment?’ above. A copy of the policy is provided to hosts ahead of the event.

Any concern not covered by the policy or risk assessment should be reported to Kirkstall Art Trail immediately, either by contacting us or by emailing info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk.

In an emergency, call 999 first, then notify Kirkstall Art Trail as soon as it is safe to do so.

Access descriptions are requested from all venues, using the visitor access guide form. These details are used to build the visitor access guide shown on each venue page.

A detailed access guide lets visitors know what access will be like before they arrive – describing the route in and what the facilities are like inside. As access needs vary, this allows visitors to make their own informed choices about where to visit.

Step-by-step guidance on completing the form, including worked examples for both a public venue and a private residence, is available in ‘How to fill in the Visitor Access Guides‘.

The form covers:

  • Full address, including postcode.
  • Venue description. The approach to the building, the entrance, and the interior – including ground surface, steps, door widths, and similar details. Private residences are not expected to have step-free entrances or wide doorways, but a description of what’s there is still needed.
  • Dogs. Whether assistance dogs and pet dogs are permitted, and any facilities provided, such as water bowls or waste bins. Assistance and guide dog owners have full rights of access to public places, spaces, and services.
  • Toilets. Whether toilet facilities are available, and if so, whether they are accessible or include baby-changing facilities. Private residences are not obliged to offer toilet access.
  • Food and drink. Whether refreshments are available, and any relevant detail such as dietary options. Private residences are not obliged to offer food or drink.
  • A photograph of the venue, showing the approach and entrance, to help visitors recognise it in advance. Extra photos can also be included to help describe the venue more clearly within the venue description, where useful.

Some venues may also include directions on how to find them, such as which entrance to use or the best journey route – this can be provided by the host where relevant, or put together directly by Kirkstall Art Trail where it isn’t needed.

Support with completing the form is available from Kirkstall Art Trail on request.

All venues receive a welcome pack, split between digital documents and physical items.

Sent digitally:

  • risk assessment
  • health and safety policy
  • safeguarding policy
  • lost child policy
  • private property terms and conditions, for private residences

Physical pack contents:

  • visitor monitoring forms and comment book
  • Art Trail maps and posters
  • photography consent notice, for display
  • insurance document, for reference
  • private – no entry signs, for private residences
  • venue number signage
  • arrows and bunting

Any questions after receiving the pack, or requests for extra signage, can be directed to Kirkstall Art Trail by contacting us.

Physical pack contents should be returned to Kirkstall Art Trail at the close of the event. Reusing pack contents helps reduce costs in subsequent years and supports the Art Trail’s environmental commitment.

Once all artists and venues are confirmed, both an artist directory and a venue directory are created. These are published closer to the date of the Art Trail.

Links in the venue directory lead to individual venue pages, giving visitors extra information to help plan their visit. Each venue is numbered with reference to its location on the map.

The page lists the artists and activities at that venue, followed by the access guide – covering the full address, venue description, and details on dogs, toilets, and food and drink, along with a photograph of the venue.

Preparing for the Art Trail

Valuables, and anything not intended for public display, should be put away in a room that will not be opened to visitors. These areas should be marked as private using the signs provided in the venue welcome pack.

Rooms being opened should be decluttered and cleaned. The risk assessment provided in the welcome pack should be used to check for any areas that need addressing.

The Art Trail is open from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2027. Everyone should be ready by 10.45am.

Facilities the artist can use during the event should be agreed between host and artist in advance – for example, the bathroom, kitchen, or storage space.

Display arrangements should be discussed with guest artists in advance. See also ‘How can I display my work?‘ in the Information for Artists section.

  • clearly define the available space for the purpose of the Art Trail
  • arrange with the artist when they can install their work
  • be available to answer questions or help troubleshoot issues during the setup period
  • consider the logistics of hosting the artist’s work in the venue during the event
  • arrange how the artist will pack down and remove their work after the event has ended

Venues are not expected to provide refreshments for visitors, unless it is the venue’s business, such as a café.

Venues choosing to provide tea and cake should consider the size of their space, the supply of crockery, and the clean-up involved.

It is illegal to sell alcohol without an appropriate licence.

Unless the toilet is normally open to the public, no.

Private residences are not expected to provide toilets for visitors.

Permitting visitors to use a toilet is entirely at the host’s own discretion.

Spaces should not be left unattended – the artist or the host should be there at all times, ensuring visitors get the most out of their visit.

See ‘Do we get any breaks?‘ in the Information for Artists section for guidance on arranging cover.

Yes. See ‘What publicity is there for Kirkstall Art Trail?‘ for more information.

Fashion Show

Introduction to the Fashion Show

The Fashion Show takes place every third Saturday in July during the Kirkstall Art Trail; in 2027, it will be held at 2pm on Saturday, 17 July.

The Fashion Show takes place in the grand surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey.

The core theme every year is ‘Sustainability’. Each year, an additional theme is chosen by the previous year’s designers – for 2026, this was ‘Dreamscape’, chosen by the 2025 designers. The 2027 theme will be chosen by the 2026 cohort and confirmed in due course.

It means:

  • reducing waste generation and promoting the circular economy.
  • consuming less and choosing sustainable brands.
  • improving resource efficiency and considering the entire life cycle of an item.
  • the longevity, repairability, and recyclability of items

Designers are asked to make clothes from second-hand, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials, reducing waste and avoiding the introduction of new materials into the cycle.

Applying for the Fashion Show

When the opportunity is open, interest can be registered through this website.

The opportunity is advertised early to give designers plenty of time to design and make their outfits.

The Fashion Show opportunity is shared across social media, sent out in newsletters, advertised on posters around Leeds, and spread through word of mouth.

Yes. Being a designer is not a requirement to apply. The Fashion Show welcomes volunteers from other fields, such as:

  • photographers and videographers
  • content creators
  • DJs
  • emcees
  • make-up artists

The application includes space to note what can be offered.

Once an application has been reviewed, an email will be sent to confirm the outcome. This includes a link to join the ‘Fashion Show’ WhatsApp group. A member of the team may also make contact by phone.

Organising the Fashion Show

WhatsApp is used to support clear communication and simplify organisation. Providing a mobile number allows a designer or volunteer to be added to the ‘Fashion Show’ private group chat.

Yes. Two in-person meetings are held before the Fashion Show, giving designers and other volunteers the opportunity to meet and discuss how the show will work, and a chance to ask questions.

One or more outfits can be made. Each outfit requires a separate model, as there is no time to change between walks.

Second-hand items can come from charity shops, hand-me-downs, or donations.

Materials aren’t limited to old clothes – duvets, curtains, or other unconventional materials can also be used creatively.

Buttons, zips, and other fastenings can be reused.

All materials must be repurposed rather than bought new, except for sewing thread.

An outfit can be modelled by the designer themselves, or by a friend or family member.

The model can be of any gender, age, size, or ability – there are no boundaries to who can walk the catwalk.

Designers struggling to find a model can ask in the group chat, where another designer may be able to help.

There is a rehearsal on Sunday, 11 July 2027 at 2pm. Participants should arrive at 1.30pm for a prompt start.

Please keep this day free for a walk-through and technical rehearsal. Finished garments are not needed for this.

There will be one last rehearsal before the main show on Saturday, 17 July 2027. Participants need to be on site at 12.30pm.

Attending all rehearsals is important, as this allows potential issues, technical glitches, and staging logistics to be identified and fixed in advance.

No – hair and make-up are the designer’s or model’s own responsibility. The Abbey has no facilities for styling, so preparation should be done before arriving at the show.

Volunteers are sought each year to take on these roles. Anyone able to offer their time can contact us.

Outfits can be displayed after the show, giving visitors the opportunity to see the work up close and chat with the designer. Other items can also be brought to sell. Bringing business cards, and sharing social media and website details with visitors, is encouraged.

Designers available to display and sell across the full weekend, not just after the show, are especially welcomed.

Yes, this is optional. Designers and other Fashion Show participants can be included on the website so visitors can see who they are.

Profiles appear on the Fashion Show venue page for that year, alongside details of the show itself – see the 2026 Fashion Show venue page for examples. A profile can be as simple as a name and role, or include a short bio, photo, and social media or website links, depending on what’s provided.

Anyone interested can request a form to complete with their details.

Accessibility and Environmental Commitments

Accessibility

Kirkstall Art Trail aims to help people make better-informed decisions before visiting. This is supported by detailed visitor access guides on individual venue pages, and a website designed to meet Web Accessibility Initiative standards.

A dedicated wheelchair-friendly route connects accessible venues. Alternative application methods and reasonable adjustments are available to anyone applying to take part. Kirkstall Art Trail is a member of Arts Together Leeds, a network working to make Leeds arts and culture more welcoming and accessible. Disabled representation is maintained on the organising committee, and disabled artists and visitors are encouraged to take part.

Access guides and the website itself are reviewed and improved each year as new information and feedback are received.

Suggestions for improving accessibility, whether for the Art Trail or the website, are welcomed – contact us.

Read the full Access Statement.

Due to the variety of venues involved, full access cannot be guaranteed for all people with disabilities.

Some venues have stepped entrances or narrow doorways. Many are private residences, and the majority of Kirkstall’s housing stock predates 1919, with a dated design and layout. This means the Art Trail is not accessible to everyone.

A dedicated wheelchair-friendly route connects a number of accessible venues each year, for visitors who want this option.

Clear descriptions are provided for each venue where possible, so visitors can decide in advance whether to visit. These visitor access guides are available on individual venue pages.

Kirkstall Art Trail does not have control over the third-party premises used across the event.

Finding a way around an unfamiliar area can be daunting. A few options are available to help locate a venue:

Maps

  • Two online interactive maps are available: ‘Kirkstall Art Trail amenities’ shows toilets, bus stops, parking, and refreshments, with the information point included on both maps; the ‘[current year] Art Trail map’ shows venues, activities, and the mural trail. Clicking a marker on either map shows further detail.
  • Paper maps are available to pick up at most venues and at the main hub, for those who prefer them to the online maps.
  • Each venue has its own what3words address – a unique combination of three words that pinpoints its exact location, particularly useful for venues that aren’t immediately obvious.

Photographs

A photograph of each venue is provided, giving an idea of what to expect before arriving. These can be found on the venue directory page and on individual venue pages.

Signage

  • yellow bunting displayed at every venue
  • arrows and notices pointing out the direction for difficult-to-find locations
  • signs at every venue, with ‘Kirkstall Art Trail’ at the top and a venue number matching the map

See ‘Finding venues‘ on the Plan Your Visit page for further detail.

Kirkstall Art Trail can get noisy and busy with crowds. Arriving at 11am, when the Art Trail is at its quietest, is recommended for anyone wanting to avoid this.

Some venues are available during the Art Trail for anyone who needs assistance or a calm space. A list of these venues is provided in the ‘Wellness spaces‘ section on the Plan Your Visit page.

Most individual venues have limited access to toilets, especially private residences.

Public toilets are labelled on the online ‘Kirkstall Art Trail amenities‘ map.

Accessible toilets are available at some sites.

A Changing Places toilet is also located in Kirkstall, at Abbey House Museum. Find out more on the Changing Places Toilets website.

This website follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, aiming for the AAA standard. The Website Accessibility Statement explains this in more detail, including known accessibility problems currently being worked on. The Access Statement covers Kirkstall Art Trail’s wider approach to accessibility in more depth.

The site has been made as usable as possible, though a better experience may come from adjusting personal computer settings to match individual needs – for example, changing the site’s colours, increasing text size, or having the site read aloud.

For help customising a device using accessibility features already built in, or by installing extra assistive technologies, try:

Kirkstall Art Trail aims to create a culture of inclusion.

There are many different types of underrepresentation within the arts. Removing barriers to participation is important, where possible. The aim is to build a more diverse and inclusive community, while recognising that this can be a challenge.

Kirkstall Art Trail wants a Kirkstall where everyone feels art is for them, no matter their background. Participants and visitors are asked to treat everyone they meet with dignity and respect.

See the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for further information.

Environmental

We recognise the environmental impacts of organising and hosting the Trail. We seek to minimise these impacts wKirkstall Art Trail recognises the environmental impact of organising and hosting the event, and works to minimise this and be as sustainable as possible, as a member of SAIL (Sustainable Arts in Leeds).

This includes:

  • encouraging committee members, artists, and visitors to choose low-carbon travel, such as walking, cycling, or public transport
  • using a materials inventory to track what is held, used, and discarded, with a preference for reused, repurposed, or recycled materials over new ones
  • using a circular network to source and rehome materials before buying new, where possible
  • writing green guidelines into contracts for paid project work
  • considering the website’s digital impact, including green hosting, image optimisation, and a low-energy design approach

As a volunteer-led organisation, Kirkstall Art Trail is keen to build on this commitment further, while recognising that this isn’t always practicable.

Read the full Environmental Sustainability Commitment.

Artists are asked to think about their impact on the environment:

  • consider sustainable practices and actions
  • think about the materials used
  • limit excess waste where possible
  • consider the types of bags and packaging used for sales
  • consider becoming a member of SAIL (Sustainable Arts in Leeds), which is free to join

While this is asked of all artists, individual environmental commitments cannot be guaranteed.

It is difficult to guarantee that all venues can or do consider their environmental impact. Whether a venue has an ‘Environmental Sustainability Policy’ is checked where possible, though this isn’t always achievable.

Venues fall into the following categories:

  • private residences
  • heritage sites and museums, managed by Leeds City Council
  • retail and hospitality
  • community buildings – churches, community halls, schools
  • conservation centre
  • outdoors – allotments, gardens, and other external spaces

Visitors to the Art Trail are asked to consider the following:

  • public waste bins are located around the Kirkstall area – if overflowing, waste should not be left nearby, as it can end up lost in the environment
  • venues may not have facilities to remove visitors’ waste, so taking litter home is encouraged
  • bringing a reusable bag is worthwhile for anyone planning to buy work from the artists
  • host venues, and the wider Kirkstall area, should be treated with respect

Using public transport or, where possible, more active forms of travel is encouraged.

By bus

There are regular buses into Kirkstall. Journeys can be planned on the WY Metro website.

By train

There are two train stations in Kirkstall. Journeys can be planned by train using the same WY Metro website. Headingley is the closest, with Kirkstall Forge about a 30-minute walk to the Art Trail.

By bicycle

Journeys can be planned using Cycle Connect. The ‘Kirkstall Art Trail amenities’ interactive map lists the many cycle stands around Kirkstall, including secure bike parking at Hollybush and Lilac Grove, plus bike stands at Kirkstall Abbey, the Leisure Centre, and the retail car parks.

Disabled car parking spaces

The ‘Getting to Kirkstall‘ section on the Plan Your Visit page has some information about spaces. The ‘Kirkstall Art Trail amenities’ map lists spaces where known.

Websites consume a lot of energy, and minimising this is an aim wherever possible.

Fasthosts is used for hosting, a UK-based green cloud storage and web hosting company.

WordPress is used as the content management system, chosen partly for being free, open source, and for its commitments to sustainable change.

A light theme is used across the website. Evidence suggests users are less likely to turn up screen brightness on a light theme than in dark mode, and increasing brightness uses more power. Individual device settings, including dark mode use or brightness, cannot be controlled for.

Media use is considered carefully: included only where it adds value, optimised and appropriately sized, saved in web-friendly formats such as WebP, with auto-play disabled and decorative animation avoided.

The web sustainability guidelines are used to help build a low energy website, within the restrictions of cost and feasibility that come with being a volunteer-led organisation.

Visitors can also help reduce the energy consumed while viewing this website – using a smaller device where possible, turning down screen brightness, and keeping devices for longer to reduce the number of new devices manufactured.