The Honours come in advance of the 30th anniversary of East Street Arts being founded by Karen and Jon in 1993. The Leeds-based charity was established by the two artists after they were unable to find the support and infrastructure they needed to develop their art practice.
Since then, East Street Arts has worked to secure better livelihoods for artists and neighbours, and to address issues of economic and commercial decline in towns and cities. Over the past 30 years, the couple have led the East Street Arts team to offer life support for artists including advice, space, infrastructure, audiences, and opportunities to work.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. This is an acknowledgment of the role that East Street Arts has played in supporting artists and the communities in which they live and work. Our staff, volunteers, artists and neighbours have been fundamental in this achievement, and it’s testament to their proactivity and commitment.” Karen Watson
“This is a great honour for us, and for East Street Arts; and it’s especially timely as we head into our 30th year. It’s been an exciting, collaborative and unconventional 30 years and we’re really proud of everything we’ve achieved so far but, as our sector faces unprecedented challenges, we’re not losing sight of the future and making sure that East Street Arts continues to have relevance and impact in years to come.” Jon Wakeman
Other things!
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Artist support
No Going Back: exploring the archives
Here are some of our favourite images from last month's No Going Back exhibition, for anyone who may have missed it.
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Residency
Palestinian artist Taqi Spateen to unveil new mural in Leeds
The internationally recognised Palestinian artist Taqi Spateen is set to unveil a new mural on the gable-end of Convention House on 16 May 2024.
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History
Hidden Histories of New Briggate publication
Read about our approach to delivering the cultural programme for the New Briggate High Street Heritage Action Zone project.
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News
Co-founder Karen Watson to appear on public sculpture championing women of Leeds
We’re thrilled that our co-founder Karen Watson is one of nearly 400 inspirational Leeds women, voted for by members of the public, being celebrated with a new sculpture in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
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News
Artist-Led Housing: Histories, Residencies, Spaces - available to buy!
Architectural researcher Dr Jonathan Orlek's brand-new publication, Artist-Led Housing: Histories, Residencies, Spaces is now available to buy.
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News
Taipei Residency: Artist Call Out
Are you an artist using sound and audio-visual media at the core of your practice? Do you want to collaborate with communities and other artists to develop new artworks? Apply now! Deadline 12pm, Sunday 5 May 2024.