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History

Our Development
artsmix*, formerly Equality Workshops, was born out of a desire to promote a range of activities which recognise, reflect and celebrate the diversity of local communities, in and around Leeds.

Established in 2002 by a small group passionate about the opportunity that Art, in all its facets, offers as a tool for individual empowerment and community enhancement.

In 2003, Equality Workshops developed and produced a new musical Freedom Sings, written by Jenny Bowen, which was based on the life of Martin Luther King. Showcased in the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Freedom Sings bought together a community cast of over 40 amateurs and thrilled audiences of over 1000. But more than being a series of performances, Freedom Sings, amplified a crucial period in Black History and informed many about the struggle for equality and respect.

Between 2003 and 2005, Equality Workshops went on to work with other local communities. Utilising the model of Legislative Theatre, offenders, ex-offenders, refugees and women fleeing domestic violence, explored the issues and barriers they faced when trying to move on, gain employment or settle in the UK. Audiences were invited to see the sketches and plays, which were written and performed by the various groups. At the end of each performance the audiences were invited to debate the issues raised, thus creating an awareness of the lives of others.

In 2005, with the support of Park Lane College Leeds and ERDF funding Equality Workshops developed the Mosaic Market. The market was established as a platform to promote the wealth of multi cultural arts and crafts being produced in Leeds and the region. Since then Equality Workshops has:

  • Re-branded to artsmix*
  • Assisted the development of Planet Leeds
  • Partnered with Leeds Left Bank, Together for Peace and Arts @ Trinity
  • Attracted pro-bono Business Advice and support from: Applied Acumen; CS Communicate; Ideas Start Here; Absolute Print and Design Solutions; ARC Business Solutions; Waterside Communications; The Spice Quarter (Electric Press); The Oracle; The Camberwell Project; Addelshaw Goddard; Northside Communications
  • Established and held an inaugural annual ‘Emerging Artists Award’
  • Gained funding from Sharing the Success (Leeds - Local Enterprise Growth Initiative)
  • Established a fully equipped workshop to support the practical skills of emerging artists
  • Developed a comprehensive Service for Business
  • Assisted the development of over 20 new Art enterprises
  • Created new employment opportunities
  • Attracted substantial press interest and coverage
  • Published a fortnightly newsletter
  • Developed a strong and diverse Steering Group to oversee the current and future development of artsmix*
  • Written and produced the Green Man for the 2007 Potter Newton Spring festival
  • Participated in Leeds Pride and Light Night