For this week's Visiting Artist's Talk at the University of Leeds we welcome Thahmina Begum, an interdisciplinary artist, poet and workshop facilitator who lives and works in Leeds.

Thahmina Begum has exhibited internationally, nationally, and hyper locally. Begum is a qualified and registered Art Psychotherapist (HCPC, BATT). Her work explores cultures, identities, belonging and British /Bangladeshi/Muslim Diaspora. Begum’s work explores stories, hidden narratives and storytelling through art and art making.

Join us for a warm Encounters welcome and introduction to the festival. Meet the guest artists and speakers and discover what to expect across the festival programme. 

Introductions will be followed by an Introduction to Allyship workshop led by Curious Arts. 

BEP2025: NoRCEL's next science-in-society Leeds Hybrid Forum.

For this week's Visiting Artist's Talk at the University of Leeds we welcome Heather Peak.

Heather Peak has established an ambitious collaborative practice, often with Ivan Morison, over the past twenty years that transcends the divisions between art, architecture, theatre and social practice.

Gain essential knowledge of tax, bookkeeping, and get expert advice on overcoming business challenges.

Strengthen your business with key strategies for marketing, sales, and building a balanced business.

Join us at the St George's Centre for day two of the Start-up and Grow programme where we will be focusing on marketing, sales, and building your business in a balanced way.

Build a strong foundation for your business with essential strategies for planning, cash-flow forecasting and pricing.

Join us at the St George's Centre for day one of the Start-up and Grow programme where we will be focusing on business planning and financial strategy to get your business off to a solid start.

In November 2023, over 800 people from around the globe gathered in San Francisco for the Sundance Stompede, an LGBT+ country-western dance weekend that has been a cornerstone of queer culture for 27 years.  

Join Jaivant Patel, the charismatic Artistic Director of multi-award winning Jaivant Patel Company in conversation with Hannah Robertshaw (Yorkshire Dance). Jaivant will share his artistic vision, choreographic journey, creative influences and the stories behind his current and previous work. 

Join us to explore ideas of ‘blindness gain’, new approaches to exhibition making, and ways audiences can experience artworks beyond the visual.

Throughout the day speakers will address how artists have used, and continue to use, senses beyond the ocular, both historically and in contemporary practice.

Tickets are free and include lunch, refreshments and a wine reception at the end of the day.