In collaboration with the West Yorkshire Archaeological Services, East Street Arts are looking for an artist to work with local communities to explore the findings of an archaeological investigation site, which sits under the Victoria Gate Shopping centre.

Archaeologists uncovered a picture of Leeds that is very different to the Leeds we know today. The site investigated at Victoria Gate was once the site of the Ebenezer Chapel and was used as a burial ground between 1797 and 1848. It was also an area impacted by a cholera outbreak in 1833 and sadly a place of extreme deprivation.

Other finds on the site included the floor of a swimming pool which once stood on the site, the remains of the Market Tavern cellar and many objects including glassware, a set of charred wooden bobbins and Burmantofts bricks.

The diversity of finds on the site can begin to tell us interesting stories about the heritage of Leeds and the area. This project will work with an artist, archaeologist and local communities to explore the heritage of this site through creative response. We are looking for an artist to lead this engagement and work with communities to explore the archaeological findings. 

What are we looking for?

Submissions that:

-       Have an interest in heritage and community practice

-       Use the findings of the archaeological dig as a source for inspiration

-       Use the project space at 130 Vicar Lane throughout the project. 130 Vicar Lane is also home to the Leeds Co-op and there is potential for collaboration on this project with them.

-       Include 2 x  workshops at a Leeds school as part of the project

-       Include 2 x community workshops as part of the project

-       Programme the project space at 130 Vicar Lane as part of Heritage Open Days (7-9th September 2017)

-       Have some form of outcome that is co-developed with participants

The Offer

-       Artist fee of £1500

-       £500 available for materials

-       Use of project space at 130 Vicar Lane throughout the project

-       Support from East Street Arts throughout the project

Where will the work go?

The outcome of the project could take a number of forms and we are looking for an artist who will co-create an outcome through the process of the project. The project space at 130 Vicar Lane should be used to share the outcome in some way with the wider public.