Situation Leeds 2026: Artist-led Festival
We’re so pleased to be supporting Situation Leeds 2026. Situation Leeds returns in May 2026, bringing a grassroots, artist-led festival back to the city for the first time in almost two decades.
With a core programme from 11–24 May, and some activity continuing across May and June, the festival will showcase new work, temporary interventions and events shaped by over 40 artists working in and around Leeds today.
Situation Leeds is an artist-led organisation that supports the visual arts in Leeds by creating opportunities for collaboration, increased visibility, and creative development. Its work is delivered through two complementary strands: the Situation Leeds Network and the Situation Leeds Festival. We’re delighted to be supporting the festival.
Situation Leeds Network
The Situation Leeds Network is a series of monthly meetings at which visual artists can introduce themselves and their work/creative projects and make connections with other practitioners in the city. The aim is to create a network of creatives who support each other by sharing skills, knowledge, contacts, and giving feedback on ideas. Work in Progress is welcome, as are completed works or projects in any medium. Situation Leeds Network is an inclusive space. The meetings are open to everyone, at any stage in their artistic practice. We ask that if you join us to present or listen that you follow our guidelines, which can be found here. The network currently meets at Hyde Park Book Club, LS6 1BL, at 6 pm on the first Tuesday of every month. Please join our WhatsApp group or follow us on Instagram to find out more about the monthly events.
If you would like to present, you can sign up for a ten-minute slot using the WhatsApp group. Guidelines for presenters are linked above.
Situation Leeds Network aims to increase the visibility of the visual arts in Leeds through grassroots collaboration. We aim to work together towards future outcomes, which could be a festival or other arts event that aligns with the broader aim of Situation Leeds, as an organisation that celebrates the visual arts in the city.
The Situation Leeds Steering Group is Sue Ball, Court Spencer, Jack Simpson, Helen Moore, Helen Clarke, James Thompson, Jesse McMahon & Wes Foster.
With thanks to support from:
University of Leeds, The Attic, Eye Room, The Fox and Newt, Hyde Park Picture House, HEART Headingley, Leeds Kirkgate Market, White Cloth Hall, The Mill Gallery, Basement Arts Project, Leeds Art Gallery, Sunny Bank Mills, Leeds Drawing Club, MODA, The Smithfield, Ginger Works, Leeds Central Library, Leeds Playhouse, Holding Patterns, Serf, East Street Arts