Celebrating Local Creativity with Leeds 2023

Natalie Tharraleos talks to Kelly Hamilton, one of 33 ward hosts for Leeds 2023 and our very own representative for letting culture loose in Harehills and Gipton this year.

What is it like representing Harehills and Gipton?

It’s been an amazing process of discovery. Although I’ve lived in this ward for many years, being a Neighbourhood Host has really challenged me to engage with my community in a new way. The ward is so multifaceted and multidimensional that I really wanted to do my best to highlight this wonderful quality when representing Gipton & Harehills. There are so many individual people and community groups in the area that have rallied together to make a difference and have a positive impact on the community. I think it’s so important to highlight this when it comes to representing Harehills and Gipton.

What kind of creative talent and projects have you discovered in your role?

I’ve discovered so much, from poetry to art to dance to music to gardening to circus. I feel like our ward is packed to the brim with creative talent and amazing projects for the community. Much of which I didn’t know about before starting my role as Neighbourhood Host. Some organisations and groups that I’ve discovered or gotten to work with are Space2, East Leeds Project, Circus Leeds, Writing Our Harehills, the Henry Barron Centre, Tutti Frutti, the Compton Centre, the Culture Club at the Thackray Museum, and there’s so much more. All of which are doing wonderful work for the community and giving people a space to let their creative talents flourish. It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t get to everyone in the community doing amazing work because there’s just so much.

A standout moment so far:

There have been so many amazing moments on this journey so far. One example was when I got to be a guest speaker at LEEDS 2023’s volunteer update event. It was a really great experience. I got the opportunity to talk about the My LEEDS project on a bigger scale but also specifically about our ward, what the process has been like and what we have planned for our event. I felt really honoured to be able to represent Gipton & Harehills in front of an audience of 200 volunteers and meet so many wonderful people excited to get involved.

What you’re looking forward to in Harehills and Gipton for Leeds 2023?

I’m so excited about the My Leeds Summer event for our ward on the 8th of July: The Gipton and Harehills Creative Showcase. It’s going to be such a fun day to celebrate the ward’s creativity and culture. I’m really looking forward​ ​to seeing ​people​ have a go at some fun, creative activities and watch some brilliant performances put on by members of the community.

I’m also really looking forwards to the mobile observatory: Moon Palace – that’s going to be situated in our ward this summer. I think it’s fantastic that people will have access to after-dark moongazing and daytime observation sessions right here in the community. ​​
You can find out more about that here:
https://leeds2023.co.uk/whats-on/collection/moon-palace-events

How can local people join in?

The Gipton & Harehills Creative Showcase is taking place in two locations in the community. Drop in at the Compton Centre from 11am to 1pm and The Old Fire Station from 4pm to 6pm ​on Saturday, July 8th ​, for exciting family-friendly free workshops. ​​
The day will be jam-packed with creative and fun activities open for anyone to join in and try something new. There will be arts and crafts, circus workshops, henna, a fashion photo booth, a swing dance and much more. To end the day off, at The Old Fire Station from 6pm to 8pm, come and unwind to a fabulous live show filled with music, dance, circus, and fashion.
Watch out for news about who’s taking part coming soon.

Will there be any other Leeds 2023 partnered or supported events happening in the area this year?

Leeds Animation Workshop is putting on Animated Harehills, a series of sessions to teach and promote animation and artistic efforts in Harehills. You’ll be able to make your own short animated film with the materials provided.

Leeds Animation Workshop is a fantastic not-for-profit organisation based out of Harehills, run by women, working with communities and artists to produce and distribute important animated films showcasing and exploring social and educational issues.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063594607538

During the Harehills Showcase event on the 8th of July, East Side Story (that’s us!) will have an interactive stall, so please pop by and join in our activities.

If you’d like to find out more about the Tutti Frutti Theatre company based in Shine, you can catch up with them at this event or via Suvi Saraf Arts Engagement Coordinator https://tutti-frutti.org.uk/

We would like to invite you (and your children) to experience Joseph Coelho’s heart-warming book, If All the World Were, brought to life through a performed reading by Sonia Wrightson, followed by a craft activity.

If All the World Were is a touching, uplifting and sensitive picture book about a young girl’s love for her granddad and how she remembers him when he is gone. Written by award-winning Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, the story explores the bond between children and grandparents and how love is shared and remembered. Set design is by Rebecca Constable, and magical music is by Leeds composer Christella Litras.

These free events are for primary school children and their families and is part of a series of performed readings delivered in partnership between Leeds Libraries and Tutti Frutti Productions.

If you would like to attend a performance, please select the performance you would like to see in this link, and our stage management will receive you on the day: https://forms.gle/emyo5a1fFC6ySw596

How to get in touch

If you’d like to volunteer at the local events or chat with Kelly, you can contact her here: