Well we made it! Compass Festival 2018 was an incredible 10 days of live art and interactive encounters across Leeds by national and international artists which finished last week on 25 November.
“In Leeds' Loneliest Street, Residents Would Like To Meet… Each Other” – Huffington Post
All our events were free, happening around the city in venues including a residential street in Bramley, Leeds Town Hall, and Leeds Dock. Measures of Us voting boxes and boards were an illuminating talking point around the city in Seacroft, Beeston, Gipton, Bramley, Holbeck and Woodhouse sparking thousands of conversations. 1400 people shook hands with a stranger in the bus station. The Animal Court was packed out for all three trials and unsurprisingly Quarry House was demolished at The Demolition Project at Kirkgate Market! Hundreds sailed up the Aire and Calder Navigation and were bowled over by the extraordinary audio that was Waterborne, before shaking off the cold with a visit to the beautiful WARMTH sauna. Almost 2500 conversations were inspired by the 500 specially designed beer glasses in the pubs along Kirkgate.
“We were absolutely bowled over – fantastic in both concept and execution!!” Audience member
A record-breaking 13,300+ people took part in 13 projects during the festival, which produced 4 new commissions, 3 new exhibitions, 2 publications, 1 film premiere and countless live encounters. Almost 100 local people were deeply embedded with artists in bringing these works to life, giving their time, expertise and commitment in amazingly generous ways. 87 different local groups and organisations around Leeds helped us to amplify these projects and spread the word about Compass 2018.
Our huge thanks to everyone who took part – to our fantastic artists, partners, supporters and Kickstarter backers, everyone who volunteered, and came to events at the festival.
“At the heart of the festival’s ethos is the notion of community” – Yorkshire Post
We'll be adding pictures and video from the festival to our website over the next few weeks, so keep an eye on our pages, and we'll see you soon!
If you came to an event at this year's festival, we'd love to hear your thoughts. It takes less than 5 minutes, and you’ll be entered in a prize draw.
You could win:
▪ Lunch for 6 at Cafe 164
▪ New publication from Four Legs Good
▪ Set of 4 Public House pint glasses
“A sort of litmus test for the mood of the city!”
South Leeds Life
“This was a truly immersive artwork. […] a reminder of how community art can consume us when we trust and let ourselves genuinely feel part of it.”
Culture Vulture
Our audiences said:
“So novel – something completely different.”
“The event made me feel empowered, like I have a say in how I get to live my life in the city.”
“Like a cultural and societal barometer of my new home city.”
“The event has brought communities together, I feel happy to be part of the conversation that's happening today.”
