Artistic film and photography has a new home in Leeds – and it is not a shirt and tie affair.
Still in its first year in existence, the White Cloth Gallery, in Aire Street, Leeds, has already developed a glowing reputation for hosting both respected international artists and students of the disciplines in a less than formal setting.
The gallery, which includes a cafe and bar, was set up by photo-journalist Peter Dench and Sharon Price, who has a background in the creative industry, in a bid to give a niche form of art more of a footing in the city.
Sharon Price, a co-creative director at the gallery, said: “I didn’t want people to feel they had to polish their boots and whisper.
“Anybody can come here and we get all walks of life, I want them to feel comfortable – some people think they don’t have any knowledge of art and that doesn’t really matter.”
Having forged links with Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds College of Art, the gallery’s foyer space is often booked out free of charge for upcoming artists and students, while established creatives take over the main gallery.
The venue’s gallery is often rented out for functions too.
White Cloth Gallery also makes a point of working with the likes of Leeds Art Gallery and &Model, in East Parade, to promote artwork and share details of upcoming artists.
Ms Price said: “It’s kind of like united we stand really and it helps the city as well.
“I think the attitude in the Leeds art scene is fantastic at the moment in the way we are trying to work together.”
The gallery’s exhibition launches are often in aid of charity, with 50 per cent of ticket sales and 10 per cent of art sales going to causes like Marie Curie Cancer Care, St Gemma’s Hospice and Candlelighters.
The privately-funded venue has work by Canadian photo-journalist Donald Weber and British-based Polish photographer and traveller Maciej Dakowicz on show until April 30.
Visit www.whiteclothgallery.com for details.
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