Street artists transform fprmer weaving shed for last hoorah

Graffiti artists from across the country have transformed a former weaving shed at Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley.
Artwork by 'Harry' is pictured. Photograph by Simon Hulme — Graffiti artists from across the country have transformed a former weaving shed at Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley. Artwork by 'Harry' is pictured. Photograph by Simon Hulme

But a group of graffiti artists from across the North of England are ensuring a former weaving shed at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, Leeds, does not go away quietly, by using explosions of colour to create an interactive street art installation.

The Arts Council-funded Throw Up! project saw more than 40 artists transform the 14,000 sq ft space in just three weeks, before it opens to the public today as part of the Mill’s Colour and Community summer programme.

Budding street artists will be able to add their own pieces to the walls of the shed, and there are even plans to hold workshop where ramps will be built to turn the space into a skate park for one last hoorah.

Artist Nicolas Dixon is pictured with his work.
Picture by Simon Hulme — Artist Nicolas Dixon is pictured with his work. Picture by Simon Hulme

Project curator Ryan Smith, a Leeds College of Art graduate and intern at Sunny Bank Mills Gallery, said it would give people a chance to see that the city’s thriving art scene expanding beyond the galleries of the city centre.

“This is about putting Sunny Bank Mills on the map for art,” he said. “There are so many creative people around this area, and there’s a lot more to the art scene in Leeds than just the art gallery in the city centre and Henry Moore.”

Mr Smith drafted in artists from the city and across the north, who volunteered their time and materials.

Some of those involved include graphics specialist Jay Pee; Leeds installation artist Pogger; abstract colourist Nicolas Dixon – who recently exhibited in New York – and members of the Assembly House Artists Collective in Armley.