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Creative Communities Project 2023

Swarthmore Education Centre has now launched ‘Creative Communities’, our new 2-year National Lottery funded project.

We are really excited to be out in the communities of South Leeds offering free creative workshops and promoting Pride in Place. 

Do you live in Belle Isle, Holbeck/Beeston, Hunslet or Middleton?

Come and join us, or volunteer on the project - find out more below. 

Starting in September 2023 we will be delivering 6-week blocks of free creative sessions in 4 communities in South Leeds (one day per week). 

These are Belle Isle, Middleton, Holbeck/Beeston and Hunslet.


Belle Isle
Sessions started on Monday 8th January 2024.
10am - 2pm
The Welcome Centre, St John and Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road.

Holbeck/Beeston
Sessions started on Wednesday 10th January 2024.
10am - 2pm
Jamyang Leeds, Clyde Works, Ingram Road. 

Middleton
Sessions start on Monday 19th February 2024.
10am - 2pm
The Ark Family Centre, 80 Throstle Lane.

Hunslet
Sessions start on Wednesday 21st February 2024.
10am - 2pm
Involve Leeds, Whitfield Avenue.

Creative Communities Group Shot

Come along and get creative!! You'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun.

All materials provided.

Everyone is welcome and no prior skills or experience are needed.

If you'd like to take part, click the Apply Now button below.

Take Part

Do you want to join us in a creative project in the area you live in?

Call for Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to support the artists to run their workshops, including welcoming participants and supporting them to get involved, setting up and clearing down the space.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Welcoming participants to the workshops
  • Assisting the artists with setting up and clearing down the space
  • Supporting differently able participants to get involved in the workshops
  • Helping to create an inclusive, caring and friendly environment
  • Attending our volunteer training


We look forward to hearing from volunteers who would be able to commit to six week blocks of workshops (one each week on a weekday, during the daytime beginning April 2024). We are keen to discuss with those who are interested how we can support any access requirements.

Travel expenses will be provided. All volunteers require DBS checks and references. Volunteers must be 18 or over. If you have any questions or would like further information, please get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator, Honor ([email protected]). 


Deadline for applications is Thursday 21st March 5pm.

To register your interest - please click the Apply Now button.

Below you can see examples of the fabulous work already created as part of the Creative Communities project.

Participants have said...

"I have learnt I am more creative than I thought and can't wait to try more at home and get my children learning them too."

"I really enjoyed learning something new"

Untitled design

Creative Communities launch events:

Middleton Family Centre

Past Event - Middleton – Pride in Place Launch event

When: Saturday 21st October 2023, 10 am – 1 pm

Where: Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4JG

Hunslet Library and Hub

Past Event - Hunslet – Pride in Place Launch event

When: Saturday 28th October 2023, 10 am – 1 pm

Where: Hunslet Community Hub and Library, Waterloo Street, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2NS

Belle isle

Past Event - Belle Isle – Pride in Place Launch event

When: Saturday 16th September 2023, 1.00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: Cranmore and Raylands Community Centre, Cranmore Drive, Belle Isle, Leeds LS10 4AW

Holbeck church

Past Event - Holbeck – Pride in Place Launch event

When: Wednesday 13th September 2023, 3.30 pm – 6 pm

Where: Holbeck Working Men's Club, 3 Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9QX

Project Coordinators & Volunteers

Past Projects

Partners we work with

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