Work created by Leeds Arts University postgraduate students, including the winners of the 2022 Anthony Earnshaw Prize, impressed visitors at the opening of Leeds Arts Fest 22.
Arts Fest 22 has been organised by Leeds Arts University and partners to celebrate the work of postgraduate students. The event offers the public a unique cultural experience, as they encounter contemporary creative work in some of the city’s iconic shopping areas.
The event showcases work by students from across the University’s eight postgraduate courses, and includes the winners of the Anthony Earnshaw Prize, an annual bursary awarded to postgraduate students submitting to Arts Fest 22.
Winning team Ben Wilkinson, Chris King, Pratik Nathani and Emma Jones from MA Illustration achieved the overall Anthony Earnshaw prize for Pods in The Markets located in Kirkgate Market, the winners were awarded a prize of £750.
During the festival, the team's Podmen have been let loose into Kirkgate Market. Visitors can follow the fun illustrative trail, spot the Pods and see what’s to discover in the market.
There were further prizes for Becky Long-Smith, MA Creative Practice, who was awarded £250 for her interactive work PlayStackBuildShow located at Victoria Gate. Creative team Max Rowe (MA Photography) and Aditi Sangle (MA Curation Practices) also won £250 for Peat, Posts and Paths: 8000 years on a Scottish isle, located at the Victoria Quarter.
Organised in collaboration with festival partners including The Merrion Centre, Kirkgate Market, St John’s Centre, Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter, with work shown throughout at OK Comics. Arts Fest 22 offers students the opportunity to show their work in the public domain and learn about the challenges of exhibiting works outside of conventional environments.
Other students participating in Arts Fest 2022 are Martha Madden, MA Fine Art, Nicola Rawnsley, Natassia Lee, Susan Abbott and Nicola Rawnsley all MA Creative Practice, Lennox Bruwer, MA Animation, Jesse McMahon MA Fine Art, Maria Kimberly Furtado, MA Graphic Design, Estelle Pearce, MA Digital Fashion, Erin Bennett MA Digital Fashion, Praneetha Bandanadham, MA Animation, Amily Galhand, MA Fine Art, Katy Jennings, MA Fine Art and Rae George, MA Fine Art.
The Anthony Earnshaw Prize, now in its sixth year, was set up by artist Patrick Hughes in memory of his friend, the surrealist artist and fellow alumni, Anthony Earnshaw. It is awarded annually to students at Leeds Arts University.
Arts Fest 22 runs until Thursday 14 July at venues across Leeds city centre.