Can art make a change? Is art relevant in a crisis? How can art unite a movement? Does it need to? Perhaps art and creativity can be a more personal way to process and deal with the world around us.

‘Doing and making are acts of hope, and as that hope grows we stop feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of the world. We remember that we — as individuals and groups — can do something about those troubles.’ Corita Kent

Run by Sarah Autumn, Left Bank Leeds’ Creative Resistance group is a gentle form of activism incorporating environmentalism, anti-capitalism and solidarity. They use a range of creative tools including collage and junk journaling, sketching, print and poster making, poetry and letter writing to explore, discuss and respond to the world around us, develop creative practices of collective empowerment and action and find ways to express ourselves in hope and resistance. Each sessions explores a different theme and is often linked with other Left Bank projects. The November session will be an exhibition special.

Exhibition Special: "Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free"

Thought Bubble Comic Festival, in partnership with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and the British Council are hosting an original installation at Left Bank which focuses on the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists.

Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free invites visitors to witness bold strokes of defiance and gentle whispers of hope.

Curated by George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics, the exhibition explores themes ranging from personal identity to geopolitics, with the artists presenting remarkable perspectives on Palestine. The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists, and 'Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free' seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences.

As part of the session this week, Left Bank Creative Resistance are inviting you to the Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free exhibition launch to explore the work and watch the artist videos. Sarah will then facilitate a doodle discussion which explores the themes of ‘Hope’ and ‘Defiance’, ‘Art as resistance’ and the question, ‘How is art helping Palestine to tell its own intimate story through the narratives of its people?’

Using the notes, quotes, thoughts and doodles from this discussion, you’ll create your own piece of art in response to the exhibition. You’ll have access to a range of art supplies and collage materials as well as zine and comic templates, printouts and print stencils to help you get your thoughts onto the page whatever your prior artistic skills and abilities.

There will also be an opportunity to write a letter of solidarity to the artists drawing on the earlier ‘love letter writing’ sessions.

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‘‘Doing and making are acts of hope, and as that hope grows we stop feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of the world. We remember that we — as individuals and groups — can do something about those troubles.’ Corita Kent.

CanArt make a change? Is art relevant in a crisis? How can art unite a movement? Does it need to? Perhaps art and creativity can be a more personal way to process and deal with the world around us. A private resistance to injustices we see and experience, a colourful life-vest to stop us sinking.

This creative resistance group is a gentle form of activism incorporating environmentalism, anti-capitalism and solidarity. We use a range of creative tools including collage and junk journaling, sketching and painting, print and poster making, poetry and letter writing to explore and discuss the issues of the world, develop creative practices of collective empowerment and action, finding ways to express ourselves in hope and resistance.

Each session, our facilitator Sarah Autumn will begin by sharing examples and insights from existing and historic social movements and campaigns. As a group we’ll discuss and negotiate the theme and explore how we can respond creatively. Sarah will deliver a simple tutorial on a particular medium or practice and may sometimes call upon arty friends of Left Bank to offer their expertise. You can follow along or create independently using the materials provided.

Creative Resistance FAQs

How often is the group?

The group will take place once a month on a Wednesday evening at Left Bank Leeds as part of the Culture Club.

What time is the group?

The creative resistance group starts at 6.30pm.

Between 6.30-6.45 you’ll have time to arrive, get a drink and acquaint yourself with the group. We wrap up by about 8pm but Left Bank remains open and you are welcome to stay and work on your creations and socialise.

How much does it cost?

We are offering this group for free with the option to donate as you feel. Any donations received will go towards the continued running of Culture Club at Left Bank Leeds.

Do I need any special skills or equipment?

This group is open to people of all abilities, interests and backgrounds. We ask that you either bring your own journal or sketchbook (there will be some available to purchase) but all other materials including paper to work on will be provided. The sessions follow a theme and a loose structure and you’ll be able to engage with the theme by collaging, sketching, writing, print or poster making and more. Each session there will be a plan, for example during the Iconic faces session, we’ll be creating portrait collages inspired by Che Geuvara and Frida Khalo. You can follow the plan of the session or work in your journal independently.

Can I suggest a theme?

Yes! I have planned several sessions but we’ll also respond to the times and pertinent issues. If you have a specific session for a lesson, you can email me at [email protected]

If you have any other questions email us with the address above and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

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