Compass Live Art
Compass commissions and presents interactive live art projects in Leeds, UK. We run an artist residency programme, present standalone projects, exhibitions and artist development initiatives.
Compass is also the driving force behind Compass Festival, a biennial event which invites audiences to discover unexpected experiences in familiar places, bringing high quality, interactive art to the everyday.
We support local, national and international artists who are pushing the boundaries of where art can be found, how art can be experienced and who art is for.
We recognise that changing the context of where an artwork is experienced significantly changes both its meaning and the audience it reaches. In our 14-year history, we’ve seen the festival take place all over the city: in markets, on menus, on the water, in people’s homes and in the street.
Our projects would not be possible without participation and collaboration from our local communities. We often work with specific groups such as care home residents or primary school pupils, or collaborate with individuals with subculture interests such as collectors of unusual objects or waterways enthusiasts. We champion the idea that everyone is creative, and aim to improve arts access in Leeds.
‘I came alone to this event, but it was wonderful forming conversations with strangers whilst sharing food!’
-Leeds’ Low Carbon Chinatown Supper Club by Ling Tan attendee
‘A fantastically presented and performed piece of work, blending aesthetic and formal ambition. The best, most engaging and moving piece I’ve seen all year.’
-Brightside by Slap Collective attendee
‘An incredibly generous + poetic work. The museum was so well curated and the guided tour immaculately presented. We learned so much social history about Leeds’
-Museums in People’s Homes by Joshua Sofaer attendee
We’re part of Arts Together because it’s a great way to connect with a wide range of community groups and fellow arts organisations across Leeds.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
People you may meet
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Peter Reed (Director)
I joined Compass in 2011 to produce the first weekender festival before joining forces with Annie to build and grow the organisation into what it is today. I have also worked as an independent producer for Louise Ann Wilson Company, Grief Series, Slung Low and Common Wealth. Born and raised in Leeds but I don’t sound like it, so no one believes me.
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Jennie Gilman (Programme Coordinator)
I discovered Compass when I volunteered on the Ballad of Crown Point Bridge by Amy Sharrocks in 2021. This sonic installation was my first live art experience: a site-specific work bridging connections between the city’s historic architecture, waterways and the people who live here. I loved it, and my time with Compass has been a whirlwind ever since. I joined the team as a Young Producer in 2022, and now work as the Programme Coordinator alongside my second role as a co-curator for ArtBomb in Doncaster.
