EAST STREET ARTS
East Street Arts (ESA) is a Leeds based visual arts organisation committed to critical programming of projects and events, a holistic approach to professional development for individual artists, and a strong involvement in the art sector regionally and nationally. ESA’s vision is realised through its Critical Programme, Artist Development, and Advocacy and Infrastructure.
Critical Programme
ESA’s Critical Programme encapsulates debate, exhibitions, collaborations and interventions. Projects are issue-led and developed with individuals and groups in response to regional, national and global concerns. Through research and exchange with artists and organisations, issues are explored from a wide range of perspectives, working to situate contemporary art practice within private and public spheres. The Critical Progamme largely informs ESA's Artist Development and contextualises the production of art within various markets, both real and imagined.
Artist Development
ESA is based in Leeds and was set up in 1993 by artists to support visual artists develop their work and their careers. ESA continues this mission through its Artist Development Programme, offering a range of bespoke, managed workspaces, specialist equipment and facilities and access to information, advice and contacts. Artist Development includes mentoring, training sessions, portfolio development, visiting artist talks and presentations. Artists working with ESA are offered a platform for discussion, community, exchange and involvement in order to foster their practice and develop professional skills within the visual art field.
Advocacy and Infrastructure Development
ESA is also involved in advocacy and infrastructure development regionally and nationally. This includes being involved in strategic developments for the visual arts such as being a member of the steering group for VARU (visual arts research unit) which will provide artists, their advocates and policy makers with research evidence about social and economic contribution they make to society. Locally ESA is a steering group member of Leeds Visual Arts Forum, a board member of Leeds Arts Partnership and is a co-founder of Situation Leeds. These and other initiatives ESA is involved in aim to raise the profile of the visual arts in Leeds, develop partnership working and a stronger infrastructure, and create an environment in the city for artists and their audiences to interface.
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