Leeds school opens up new creative community space for residents in Alwoodley, Harewood and Moortown
A Leeds school is opening its doors to creativity with a brand new arts-based community space which will reflect the diversity and rich cultures of the LS17 area.
Room 17, set up by Allerton Church of England Primary School, will offer a range of classes to local residents, including cookery, sewing and arts classes – as well as offering artists their own space to work. There are also plans for a monthly repair cafe.
Headteacher Helen Stott said the space is a continuation of all the work the staff have done since the school opened in 2007, saying: “Our school vision has always been embedded in the arts.
“Children really appreciate the time and space to take part in arts activities and we know, from experience, that it develops their confidence and gives them opportunities to collaborate with others.
“We see the potential and the talent in our children every day – and often when they go on to high school they want to come back and give back. Room 17 will give them that opportunity.”
An opening event was held on Thursday (November 14) where the school’s children performed a new song with local singer/songwriter Christella Litras, who worked with pupils to come up with the theme and lyrics. There was also a series of workshops and a dance performance from pupils.
Allerton CE Primary worked in partnership with graphic design students from Leeds Beckett University to create Room 17.
The students worked with Year 3 pupils and parents to gain a greater understanding of what a community space might have to offer and set about creating one that could be used not only by the school but also act as a multipurpose creative community hub.
The school is set to continue working with the School of Arts at the university over the next two years.
Other partners in the project include Emma Tregidden and Dawn Fuller of Emma and Dawn Collaborations, who have worked with the school for many years as Arts Champions and were instrumental in introducing a range of local artists, from dancers and musicians to visual artists, to working with pupils across the curriculum.
Ms Stott, headteacher said: “I find it really exciting to think that we can have a cookery school for adults and young people and also invite artists to use the space.
“We envision the hub serving the community by providing a pop-up supper club, repair café and sewing courses. Whilst it will be used by school, Room 17 is primarily a wonderful new community facility.”