Printmaking and painting on show in East Leeds studios

1 min read
September 14, 2026

Artists and creative organisations across East Leeds opened their doors to the public over the weekend as part of Leeds Open Studios over the weekend. 

The event took place on September 12th and 13th as part of a city-wide celebration of the region’s artists and makers. During the festivities, members of the public were invited into studios, galleries and creative spaces not usually open to visitors. 

East Leeds played a major part in the showcase, with several key venues around Mabgate taking part.

The event brought together artists and arts organisations from across the whole city to promote the creative talent Leeds had to offer.

Visitors had the chance to meet the people behind the work and see first hand where it was made.

Disciplines on show included fine art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, print, sculpture, bookbinding, illustration and audio/visual work.

Several venues also hosted free drop-in workshops and taster sessions alongside their open studios.

In East Leeds, East Street Arts at Patrick Studios on Mabgate hosted more than 32 artists and collectives.

Their work covered painting, ceramics, textiles, screen print, audio/visual, film and theatre.

Exhibitions and performances ran at Patrick Studios throughout the weekend.

Leeds Print Workshop, also located at Patrick Studios, offered free drop-in printmaking sessions.

It also had prints for sale and information about joining as a member.

Nearby on Regent Street, creative space The Nests took part for the first time.

Its artists worked across performance, painting, sculpture and animation.

Mabgate Art Studios at the Leeds City College Mabgate Campus was also listed on the schedule.

Its activities included hands-on workshops and exhibitions that included ceramics, cyanotype, printmaking and Ukrainian folk art.

Organisers said visitors could expect to see studios and creative spaces ranging from long-running venues to organisations taking part for the first time.

People also had the chance to buy work directly from the artists who made it.

Other sites across Leeds included Fabrication 2, Swarthmore, The Attic, Sunny Bank Mills and Assembly House.

Join our mailing list

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Support independent community journalism!

East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.

Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.

East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.

Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.

Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.

Become a supporter today:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Learn How To Start Your Own Business With Trust Leeds

Next Story

Poet Michelle Scally Clarke explores Leeds through Division

Latest from Art

Don't Miss