Sunny Bank Mills has announced a major expansion of artists’ studio spaces at its site in Farsley as a direct response to the closure of artists’ studio spaces in the city.Â
Sunny Banks Mills’ arts director Anna Turzynski said that during her first year of working in Farsley she had seen at least six art spaces in Leeds close.
“After spending three years of my life championing the culture of our city, it was devastating to feel the sector being forced out of Leeds,” Ms Turzynski said.
“Fortunately, after speaking to my peers and listening to artists, I realised that Sunny Bank Mills was in a unique position to help. We have acres of amazing industrial space here at the Mills and a strong existing creative community, so it made complete sense to create more studios and workspaces for creative people.”
She added: “Having visited studio spaces across the country like Rouge Studios in Manchester, Cockpit in London and Assembly House just down the road in Armley I am keen to explore how we can support artists with more than just space.
“Whether that be opportunities to stock work in our on-site Gallery Shop, business development advice, funding support or a sense of community through our Open Studios programme – it feels like there are lots of opportunities.
“We were inundated with applications for studio space and the cohort who have joined us are amazing. It’s only encouraged us to find more space for artists, so keep an eye on our website and social media if you are looking for a place to home your creative practice.”
William Gaunt, joint managing director of Sunny Bank Mills said: “Ten years ago we had just 9 artists’ studio spaces, now I’m proud to say we have 48 studio spaces which are all filled, and we hope to grow that number in the years to come.
Sunny Bank Mills has been and is a place of making, so it is a great privilege to have so many talented artists and makers working and developing their varied practices here.
“The latest release of studios in Red Lane Mill was formerly where the pattern looms operated, producing new designs to be sold across the world – so a truly creative space.”
For a full list of artist studio holders follow this link.
The next Sunny Bank Mills Open Studios event is Saturday 13Â and Sunday, 14 September 2025.
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Excellent development! Well done Sunny Bank Mills.