Leeds takes its art to heart as visitors flock to gallery show

More than 50,000 people have flocked to see an inspiring exhibition at Leeds Art Gallery celebrating the work of the city’s talented local artists.

The Leeds Artists Show has proved a massive hit with visitors since opening in February, quickly becoming the gallery’s most popular exhibition since the pandemic. And art lovers now have just over a week left to catch the show before its impressive run comes to a close on April 30.

The exhibition features a collection of thought-provoking contemporary artworks from artists working across different disciplines and is the gallery’s first open exhibition in more than a decade.

Artworks were selected by an expert panel following an open call out to the city’s painters, sculptors, photographers and moving image artists, who submitted a stunning array of imaginative pieces which explore some key themes and concerns of artists working currently in Leeds.

Artists whose work has been selected by the panel include Sarah Roberts, who co-founded and curates the artist led curatorial project Hyde Park Art Club at Hyde Park Book Club and Suman Kaur, winner of the BBC Big Painting Challenge 2017.

Jane Bhoyroo, principal keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said: “The response to the Leeds Artist’s Show has been truly extraordinary, which is testament to the remarkable talents of the artists whose work is on display and to the passion and enthusiasm our visitors have for seeing the city’s culture celebrated.

“We’ve been delighted to see so many people coming to the gallery to see this inspiring collection of work, which really showcases the breadth and diversity of artistic talent in Leeds in 2023. We’d also encourage anyone who hasn’t seen the exhibition yet to not miss their chance to see it before it’s gone.”

The exhibition also introduces the next generation of artists with drawings and paintings by 21 young people from Leeds primary schools on display.

Part of the project has been supported by Leeds 2023 and is connected to The Wild Escape, a major new project uniting hundreds of museums and schools in a celebration of UK wildlife and creativity.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “It’s fantastic to see the people of Leeds embracing this remarkable showcase of our city’s artistic talent so passionately.

“As we celebrate our Leeds 2023 year of culture, it’s also inspiring to see local artists who are working in Leeds communities today playing such a central role in demonstrating exactly why Leeds is such a unique cultural destination.”

On the evening of April 27, the gallery will also be hosting the Leeds Artists Show Live, a special event where guests view the exhibition and discover the work selected. Click here to book a free ticket.