The history of the Trail
Kirkstall Art Trail had its humble beginnings in 2015. Launched in the summer, held over one day, on the Saturday. The Trail hosted more than 40 artists at 22 venues across Kirkstall. There were an estimated 500 people visiting on the day. The Trail grew in size over the next few years. It extended to include the Sunday, allowing visitors to fit more in over the whole weekend.
Kirkstall Art Trail began to see more venues, artists, workshops and visitors. It continued to be a big part of the Leeds creative calendar until 2019. The Covid pandemic forced a break on activities from 2020 until 2022. In 2023, the trail relaunched, welcoming over 1,400 visitors to Kirkstall. It is once again establishing its yearly creative mark on Kirkstall. And as a wider cultural highlight within Leeds and Yorkshire beyond.
About the Kirkstall Art Trail Committee
A small committee of volunteers manages the operation of Kirkstall Art Trail. Members come from a wide range of ages, and most of whom live within Kirkstall Village. Some of the tasks we carry out are:
- raising funds
- organising activities
- finding and selecting artists
- booking venues
- recruiting volunteers
- creating social media
- managing websites
- and all the other behind-the-scenes jobs you can, or even can’t, think of.
We welcome any interest from the public to join the committee. Please visit the volunteer page to find out how.
Kirkstall Art Trail is currently a Charitable Unincorporated Association and we are governed by a constitution.
About the ‘Kirkstall’ in the trail
The historic Kirkstall Village area (within Leeds LS5) is the location for the Art Trail. Kirkstall is home to one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country. Founded over 800 years ago, Kirkstall Abbey is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument. Abbey House Museum, situated in the former gatehouse, dates back to the 12th Century. The museum hosts a wealth of local historical knowledge. Once inside, you can stroll Victorian streets, and explore shops, houses and the local pub. Both sites feature as fine backdrops to showcase artists, workshops, and events for the Trail.
Another site that Kirkstall Art Trail partners with is Hollybush. The environmental volunteering centre has been running for over 40 years. The Hollybush building dates back to at least 1700 when the site was a farm. The farm, under the ownership of Joseph Whitwell in the 1860’s, was the first to pioneer forced rhubarb. Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb now has Protected Designation of Origin – much like Champagne, Feta Cheese, and Jersey Royal Potatoes.
St Stephen’s Church, built in the 1820s in the gothic revival style, also houses artists for the trail. With these four remarkable heritage sites, Kirkstall Art Trail is an essential visit.
Photographer Stephen Cole volunteered his time in 2023 to take photographs for the Trail. This year he has joined the committee. You can find more of his work on Stephen’s website.