Development helps creatives spread their wings

In 2017 research revealed Leeds was the creative capital for street art, and over recent years and months there have been some outstanding additions to the city.

Now developer and asset manager, MEPC has announced the launch of ‘The Artist’s Window’ at Wellington Place to showcase the creative talent in the city. The latest community initiative, has been done alongside Leeds Arts University, and aims to help support the creative talent by showcasing art installations on the ground floor of 4 Wellington Place.

Four winning designs were chosen from over 30 entries, and the successful artists will have their pieces on display on a rotational basis, having been selected by a panel of judges.

The first installation to be unveiled, was created by second year Visual Communication student Molly Launchbury, it’s an interactive piece of artwork based on the owl – the symbol of Leeds – creating the illusion of having grown a pair of wings when standing in front of it.

Motivated by the city centre’s architectural buildings, the mural was driven by a desire to capture the beauty of Leeds’s diversity, with the Parkinson Building and Leeds Town Hall stencilled among the feathers.

Launchbury, said: “During a pandemic there is a movement towards positive affirmations, so I wanted my artwork to be a symbol of reflection as viewers think about what has ‘lifted’ them through lockdown and any previous hard times. I hope it continues to spread positivity throughout the community.

“It’s a privilege to have my work displayed in a public space. MEPC has given opportunities to many students and aspiring artists and it’s refreshing to see such a big company supporting the local arts sector and providing a platform to showcase their work.

Dominique Simcox, head of customer experience at MEPC, added: “There was so much talent displayed throughout all of the competition entries, and it was great to see how the brief was creatively interpreted – it certainly didn’t make picking the final winning designs easy. We loved Molly’s positive take on the pandemic and the symbolism featured throughout.

“We hope that the installations bring a smile to the faces of the Wellington Place and wider Leeds community, all whilst showcasing talented local artists.”