Kirkstall Art Trail commissioned an artist to work with a small community – The Glebes, two back-to-back terraced streets – over the summer. The artist was briefed to collaborate with local residents to create a work that would be displayed during the Art Trail.
Kate Jennings, the artist-facilitator told us, “for the Kirkstall Art Trail, I organised a workshop that invited community members from the Glebes to join a creative space, using collage and various art supplies. The session encouraged participants to reflect on the meaning of community, discussing shared memories, values, and experiences. With the help of fellow community members, I transformed these insights into a vibrant poster that captures the essence of Kirkstall – showcasing its diversity and energy.”
The risoprint poster can be found at Venue 20, St Stephen’s Church. Below is a gallery showing the community workshops that Kate led.
More about the artist. “Kate Jennings, is an emerging artist based in Leeds. Known for focusing on social issues and community engagement, Jennings holds a Masters in Fine Art, was Creative in Residence at Leeds Art University, and works as a Sensory Arts workshop leader at Henshaw’s in Knaresborough. Her recent exhibitions include the Leeds Summer Group show, the Old Red Bus Station in Leeds, and the Art House in Wakefield. She was also selected to install her work in Kirkgate Market as part of Arts Fest 2023.
Jennings’ work is fuelled by historical and contemporary social movements, and explores art and printing as forms of protest. Inspired by See Red Women’s Workshop and Corita Kent, her posters utilise layered typography and bright colours to critique political events – focusing on British political conflict and the examination of class, race, and gender. This stems from her background in printed textiles, which taught her techniques to mask text and imagery within her compositions.”
This project was kindly supported with funding from Leeds City Council’s Inner West Community Committee.