Arts group gets new hub in Wakefield

WE ARE is known for curating temporary gallery space for young artists on Wood Street. But on August 20 it will unveil ‘Crux’, its new 4,000sq ft base on Providence Street.

The project is the brainchild of WE ARE co-ordinators Amy Lilley, 24, and Lucy Norton, 25.

Miss Lilley said: “For the past two years WE ARE has been designing and facilitating projects in Wakefield with an aim to give young people opportunities. A lot of what we do is focused around empty shops and bringing life to areas of Wakefield which are otherwise forgotten. Combining young artists with these empty shops is the perfect solution.

“Now, we’re so excited to be opening a creative space in Wakefield. It’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time and something we think Wakefield desperately needs. We want it to be a space for everyone, that’s accessible and fun to be a part of.”

The Art House has supported WE ARE to get its hands on 15-19 Providence Street, which will be a creative centre for music, art and co-working. It will house WE ARE, independent music label Philophobia Music and recording studio Top Five Studio. It will also be a rehearsal space for city bands Drahla and Yard Wars.

Miss Lilley added: “If you have any ideas, be it a gig you fancy putting on, a workshop you want to lead, a film night you want to run or need a creative space to work in then please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected]. And for more visit www.weareprojects.org/crux.”

Saturday’s launch, which includes an art display, starts at 4pm. There will be live music from 8pm and a bar.