As part of MADE IT, East Street Arts is excited to host three emerging artists for a residency at Convention House.
MADE IT celebrates emerging artists in the North West of the UK, and the residency will allow recent graduates to use this time to explore new ideas, materials, and methods, developing their practices within our supportive environment in Leeds and based in our specialist residency facility – Convention House throughout April.
Meet the Artists
Levi Holton
Levi Holton is a visual artist working primarily with film and performance to explore themes of transgender and trans-masculine identity. His work delves into the human form and the relationship between mind and body, using symbolism and abstract visuals to represent internal worlds and self-mythologies. Through his practice, Levi aims to challenge perceptions of identity and open conversations around gender and self-ownership.
“I am currently in a period of research and development for my next project, so I want to experiment with new processes, materials, and technologies. While I am open to exploration, I am particularly interested in creating sculptural and 3D pieces that expand my storytelling and installation work beyond film.”
Find Levi:
Website: levifelixholton.com | Instagram: @levifelixholton
Ellie Blundell
Ellie Blundell’s playful sculptures and ceramic works transform everyday objects into joyful explorations of queer identity and history. Inspired by queer craft traditions and abstraction, Ellie’s work often draws from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, preserving the memories of lost queer voices while envisioning a vibrant, hopeful future. Their use of dynamic forms and colour celebrates fluidity and connection, crafting inclusive spaces for storytelling and imagination.
“I am looking forward to immersing myself in the city of Leeds, taking time to learn, experiment, and discover new inspirations. Leeds’ rich ceramics history and nearby landscapes provide an exciting backdrop for my practice. This residency is a chance to embrace fresh perspectives and develop new ideas, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads me.”
Find Ellie:
Instagram: @ell.ebee
Sofia Geraci
Sofia Maria Geraci’s work is rooted in embodied knowledge and familial history, particularly within her Sicilian heritage. Engaging with craft practices, ceramics, print, and installation, she explores concepts of home and displacement through the lens of her own experiences. Her work recontextualizes personal narratives in ways that feel both deeply personal and widely resonant.
“This residency is an opportunity for me to reconnect with the making side of my practice. Since graduating, I’ve focused on research and collecting materials, and now I want to bring those elements into my work. I plan to continue my ceramic and print explorations while also compiling my research into a book or zine.”
Find Sofia:
Instagram: @geraci.sofia
We are thrilled to support these artists as they develop their work and engage with the creative community in Leeds. Stay tuned for updates on their residency journey and upcoming events.
MADE IT is organised by Short Supply, and funded by Arts Council England, and the 2024 MADE IT was organised in partnership with DMZ Studio.
