2025
In 2025, we piloted a new exhibition format (at Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds). It extended the cultural focus on Yorkshire, as Bradford celebrated its status as City of Culture 2025, and also hosted the Turner Prize for the first time. We invited all Northern artists to submit artwork for consideration by 8 judges, who each had their own core specialism. Judges were asked to curate their own personal choice of artworks which made the exhibition visually interesting and encouraged debate. Bursaries of £500 were given to nine artists, as chosen by each judge and also by Sunny Bank Mills to help them develop their craft.
The pilot was a considerable success and we now want to grow this idea, and by taking the exhibition out of the traditional gallery space, we can encourage more community participation and engagement. We see the Summer Exhibition of the North as the next, more ambitious, stage for New Light. We particularly want to shine a light on the next generation of Northern artists – who have become accustomed to having almost exclusively digital exhibiton spaces, rather than being in a physical gallery.
We aspire to achieve the right balance between the traditional gallery and the restrictions of a digital space, we aim to break down some of the barriers that audiences face in engaging with contemporary art. Sunny Bank Mills offers a unique opportunity to provide both artists and audiences a large, adaptable, welcoming space to engage with the artwork.
By being easily accessible and large enough to welcome groups, our Art for All workshops and demonstrations can reach more audiences than previously. For the first time, New Light will embark on a collaborative artwork, bringing together the diverse communities in the Leeds Bradford area to celebrate the heritage of the Mill, which will be permanently sited in the grounds.
‘Wonderful Exhibition, fabulous work. Beautifully curated in a superb space.’
(A quote from the visitor book, Summer Exhibtion of the North)
Click here to view the New Light Summer Exhibition catalogue
