About
A home for Live Art in Leeds...
Independent//Artist Led//Local//Global//DIY//DIT//Friendly//Approachable//
Live Art Bistro ran between 2012 and 2019 as a vital engine room for live art practices in Leeds and the wider region of Yorkshire. Ran by a team of artist with the common goal to support the growth of Live Art practices in the region by providing space and opportunities for local artists, whilst also encouraging artists from further afield to present work in the city.
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History
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Setup in 2012 by two artistic companies (Indivisible & Testing The Razor), Live Art Bistro quickly gained international presence as an independent venue offering professional development opportunities to practitioners seeking to take risks and meet new (and often 'uninitiated') audiences. Towards the tail end of 2012, LAB was displaced from its central venue in Leeds (provided in support by East Street Arts) and began a nomadic approach to programming. Between 2013/14 Live Art Bistro sought out relationships that took the project to some of Leeds' most cherished venues. LAB continues to expand its reach and geographic presence, with 2015 seeing various international collaborations being made. Now making use of the recent political energy that followed the Tour De France in Yorkshire, LAB is currently housed in semi permanent space on Regent Street (2 minutes walk from Leeds Playhouse). In 2014 Matt Allen (The Skeleton Project / Closed Forum) joined as Co-Director. In 2015 Jessica Sweet completed the Directorial team. In 2019 Live Art Bistro Rebranded to CLAY: Centre for Live Art Yorkshire run by Matt Allen & Jessica Sweet.
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Founding Members
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Indivisible (Becki Griffiths & Adam Young)
Testing The Razor
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Company Directors:
Adam Young
Matt Allen
Jessica Sweet
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Staff:
Office Administrator: Fern George
Freelance Technical Wizard: Charlotte Woods
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Friends and Partners
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Live Art UK
Yorkshire Dance
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