By Paul Abraham
The opening night of the latest art exhibition was held at The Mill Gallery on Friday.
2026 was welcomed in with a packed gallery enabling artists and invited guests to enjoy the unique atmosphere and surroundings which the West Leeds gallery is becoming well know for.
The exhibition – titled Fables – is the culminating exhibition of Resilient Roots, a new programme by APS supporting people taking their first steps into showing their work.
Funded by the Postcode Lottery, this initiative nurtures emerging creativity, offering accessible pathways into exhibiting while celebrating the power of making.
Check out Paul Abraham’s slideshow of images below:
Drawing on over a decade of Aire Place Studios‘ (APS) artist development experience, Resilient Roots recognises that beginnings can be the most daunting stage of an artistic journey. Confidence wavers, opportunities feel distant, and many who create don’t yet feel able to call themselves artists. APS designed Resilient Roots to change that.
Over four months, eight artists have taken part in a programme of one-to-one mentoring, group critique, and practical workshops exploring curation, selection, and installation. Together, they have co-created Fables, a collective exhibition that reflects their emerging practices, shared growth, and the stories they choose to tell through their work.
The driving force behind the programme and exhibition is renowned artist and creative director Sarah Francis.
She said: “I have never waited for permission to make things happen, and APS was built from that same instinct.
“We create together, sometimes messy, always brave, and always real. Fables grew from that belief that creativity survives through community.
“This is what happens when eight artists are trusted to take risks, to experiment, and to claim their voices without apology. For me, art has never started with confidence; it starts with connection.
“We grow through making, through each other, and through the small, relentless acts of courage it takes to keep showing up. Fables is not the end of their journey. It is the beginning of what comes next.”
The exhibition continues until 30 January, with the gallery open Fridays, 1pm–4.30pm. The exhibition is free, but any donations would be greatly appreciated.
- The Mill Gallery is based at Swinnow Grange Mills, Unit 5, The Other Studios, Cardinal House, Stanningley Roadd, Leeds LS13 4EP. Telephone 0113 824 2935, e-mail hello@themillgallery.co.uk.
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