A Leeds organisation which supports creative practitioners has netted £1,200 to develop a website to explore Armley’s local heritage and stories.
Graft Collaborative is partnering with Assembly House and Armley-based creative Charlotte Cullen, who will be exploring the area’s common land and people’s rights to it as residents.
Charlotte Cullen is an artist, curator and lecturer in Fine Art at York St John’s Universtiy, currently researching the history and geography of the local area, exploring mark-making with natural materials.
They will create an online downloadable map blending their research and art together. This will provide a highly creative and unique opportunity for residents to engage with public green spaces across the area, celebrating the community assets and wealth of heritage, nature and spirit.
This map will be accessible through a new online PLAYGROUND: Exploring Armley space, a website for anyone and everyone to discover more about this incredible part of Leeds.
A Graft spokesperson said:
“The site will include interviews with Armleyians, a timeline of our growth and changes, and information about local groups, businesses and events.
“Our hope is create a permanent digital archive celebrating the history of Armley and its many amazing individuals, whilst looking towards the future of our community, and how we can come together to overcome some of the important social issues we face.
“There will be lots of opportunities for you to join us and get stuck in, so keep an eye out on social media for our community callouts looking for your stories, memories and input. Once the website is launched, we will be changing the sign currently installed in the Rose Garden, Gott’s Park, with a new QR code to link you online.
“we will also be hiding QR codes around the area, so therE will be lots to discover with a few surprises along the way!”
The website will be part of many creative projects coming to Armley thanks to the team at Assembly House – follow them on Facebook or Instagram for latest developments.
The project follows the PLAYGROUND: Exploring Armley project, which was based in Armley Park and Gotts Park during lockdown. This encouraged people to discover more about Armley.
Leeds Inspired, which provided the grant, is part of the city’s cultural programme that celebrates arts events and projects throughout the year, supporting high-quality, accessible cultural experiences for Leeds’ residents and visitors.