FLATLANDS

Community Arts

The group formed in Lincoln Green, Leeds, in 2001. Our first publication, the FLATLANDS book and CD, was launched in 2004 at an event hosted by Thomas Danby College. 150 people attended the evening, which featured poets Leeds Young Authors, Ushawant Kaur and Tina Love, musicians Simon Reed and David Liversidge and African drumming and dance from Soul 2 Feet.

“We're proud to have hosted this event and hope it will be the first of many,” said the college’s PR manager, Claire Spencer. "It has brought new people from the local community into our building and that can only be good for the college.”

Leeds Young Authors coach Khadijah Ibrahim said, “We share the Flatlands mission to support and encourage art and performance in the inner city. With the talent that exists here, there is no reason why Leeds should not be putting itself forward as the European City of Culture."

The cover of the FLATLANDS book and CD was a pencil drawing created by local artist Mohammad Reza Amiri:

Hidden Places

In partnership with Third Angel and the BBC, Flatlands worked on the Hidden Places arts project recording several pieces for radio. "Rob" who talks about drugs and homelessness is one of the real life characters from Urban Grimshaw & the Shed Crew.

Listen to the Hidden Places radio pieces on the BBC website

Flatlands Online

The Flatlands BBC Club worked with the BBC's community involvement unit at Compton Road library, Leeds, from 2001 to 2004.

Go to Flatlands Home Page on the net

Flatlands Inclusion Project

In 2007/8, Flatlands worked with disadvantaged young people, mainly ex-offenders, in Holbeck, Leeds, encouraging regeneration by fostering initiative and entrepreneurial spirit in the inner city.

Flatlands Arches

Business Incubator & Dance club

A Rubbish Exhibition

Exhibition of junk found nearby

@ the Flatlands Arches, Christmas 2007

BERNARD HARE