A Leeds Arts University lecturer has been revealed as the winning artist who has been commissioned to create a piece of artwork for inspiring workspace provider Bruntwood Works. As part of the newly completed renovation scheme at West Gate, located on Grace Street, Bruntwood Works collaborated with East Street Arts to find a local artist to design a bespoke piece that will be on permanent display in the building’s reception area.
The brief asked artists to explore the use of materials to bring texture to their design which should reflect the local history and the space in which it will be seen. 60 submissions were shortlisted down to three artists. The final proposals were reviewed by Tessa Houghton, associate artist at East Street Arts, Bruntwood’s Art Coordinator Simon Bushell as well as the design and development team who developed the new scheme at West Gate and Craig Burrow, Bruntwood’s Director of Leeds, who is also a board member of East Street Arts. Leeds based artist Clare Lane was selected as the winner with her urban tapestry proposal and is now working on the piece that will be completed and unveiled in March. Clare, whose artwork style combines printed textiles with digital design, will create the piece in her studio in Farsley.
Clare’s incredible tapestry for the West Gate reception will take on the same format and will be designed by computer, and then printed onto fabric and stitched over in layers. Bruntwood Works collaborated on the open call with national art charity East Street Arts which is based in Leeds. Both Bruntwood Works and East Street Arts share a vision for arts and supporting the regional and cultural industry.
Simon Bushell at Bruntwood Works said: “This is a great way to kick off 2020, we were overwhelmed with the quality of designs and we’re thrilled to be working with Clare, her piece really stood out to us and it will draw on the history of the area and have great impact in the building. “This will be one of the first pieces of artwork people will see as they come into the building and we’re sure the bold and beautiful design will capture the attention of everyone who steps through.”
Tessa Houghton, associate artist at East Streets Arts said: “We’re delighted to have teamed up with Bruntwood Works again to help the team in their search for a piece of artwork for the building. The standard of applications was extremely high, and the talent shown by the local artists was very impressive. After shortlisting down to three pieces, Clare’s piece was the clear winner and we’re looking forward to seeing it showcased.” Clare’s artwork is set to be unveiled in March 2020 and this is just one of the many pieces of artwork created by local artists for Bruntwood Works.
