Meet the Team – Jim Corah

Jim Corah wears a yellow t-shirt. He has short hair and wears glasses. He stands in front of a Kirkstall Art Trail banner

Meet the organisers behind Kirkstall Art Trail.

Jim Corah has been the committee Treasurer since 2023. We find out more about him and his role within Kirkstall Art Trail. 

What role do you have with Kirkstall Art Trail?

I am the Treasurer for Kirkstall Art Trail; it’s been a role I’ve had since I joined in late 2022. I’ve been involved in the Kirkstall community since moving here well over a decade ago. Aside from encouraging engagement and enjoyment in art, I also help keep it blooming marvellous with Kirkstall In Bloom.

What do you enjoy about the Art Trail?

Bringing people together. I know that community organisations do bring people together; it’s pretty much the reason they exist. Although with Kirkstall Art Trail, there is a definite impact in the community when artists and visitors come together. Learning new techniques, discovering a new art form, finding a space to express oneself, all happen during the Art Trail. There is a lot of creativity across Kirkstall and West Leeds, so being able to demonstrate it is special.

Are you involved in any creative arts? 

Yes, although my art is the written word. I submitted some of my poetry to be used in the Poetry Trail in 2024 and took part in the spoken word event. I am also a community reporter for West Leeds Dispatch and create some of the publicity and social media for Kirkstall in Bloom.

What is your inspiration?

Poetry and writing are my favourite forms of expression, and my inspiration comes from all over the place, both literally and figuratively. For last year’s Poetry Trail, my main submission was inspired by some Thin Lizzy graffiti found on the canal. Previously, I have had poems published about Godzilla, bats, and Ted Hughes’s poetry. This year I’m intending to mix poetry and photography for my submission. The submission explores how the Leeds Liverpool Canal is both a physical landmark and a presence in the lives of those who interact with it. It has a working title that alludes to the movie The Bridges of Madison County.

COMING SOON!
Meet the rest of the Kirkstall Art Trail team.