Magical gallery takeover at Sunny Bank Mills celebrates the creativity of artists with learning disabilities and neurodivergence
Sunny Bank Mills has unveiled one of its most ambitious and joyful exhibitions yet. The Magic Show has taken over its Gallery in Farsley, Leeds until 27th September, bringing together disabled, neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists in a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration and imagination.
Created in collaboration with Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid, the exhibition reimagines the Gallery through an immersive collection of paintings, sculpture, textiles, installations, ceramics and mixed media works revealing what magic means to each artist.
Developed over six months of collaborative workshops, studio exchanges and creative experimentation, The Magic Show demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive artistic practice and challenges traditional perceptions of disability in the arts.
Visitors can expect a colourful, playful and thought-provoking exhibition where everyday materials become extraordinary, familiar spaces are transformed and imagination takes centre stage. Alongside the exhibition, a specially curated shop features handmade artworks and gifts created by participating artists.
The exhibition marks a significant partnership between three organisations committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for artists whose work is often underrepresented in mainstream galleries, and is the first time Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid have worked together.
Anna Turzynski, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, said: “The Magic Show started as a small, speculative invitation to two groups of artists and has grown into a giant cultural shift here at Sunny Bank Mills. I am so excited for audiences to experience the Gallery reimagined by artists from Henshaws and Pyramid. Especially during a time where we could all use some magic in our everyday lives.”
Alice Clayden, Pyramid Creative Programme Coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Sunny Bank Mills and Henshaws on this exciting gallery takeover. Our member artists have fully embraced and explored the magic-inspired theme of this exhibition, creating unique and imaginative works that we hope will inspire, surprise and engage visitors.”
“The Magic Show has provided a fantastic opportunity for our artists to connect, collaborate, and build communities across borders. One example is Heather’s crochet granny square blanket, which brings together more than 300 handmade granny squares contributed by makers from across the UK and around the world. Projects like this demonstrate the power of creativity to bring people together and create something truly special.”
“It’s important that artists with learning disabilities and autism are given more meaningful platforms like this exhibition to showcase and celebrate their talent and creativity in established and respected institutions. This collaboration with Sunny Bank Mills is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to create inclusive opportunities.”
Artists from Henshaws and Pyramid spent months visiting one another’s studios, sharing creative processes and exploring the exhibition theme together. The result is a show built on genuine collaboration, mutual learning and friendship.
Sharon Hockin, Workshop Leader at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre said: “The art makers at Henshaws were so excited to be asked to be part of a collaborative exhibition with Pyramid and Sunny Bank Mills. Working alongside another local disability arts organisation in a major contemporary art gallery has been fantastic and we wish there were many more opportunities like this. We have had over 40 art makers involved in making and creating work for the exhibition and the shop.
She continued: “We felt it was important to work with the Pyramid artists from the start to enable a truly meaningful exchange of ideas, skills and lived experience. Exchange visits took place over 6 months as the artists explored each other’s studios, workshop spaces and all things magical!”
For the artists themselves, the exhibition is an opportunity to challenge perceptions and celebrate creativity on equal terms.
Artist Debra from Henshaws said: “We want you to know that we are a mixed group of disabled, visually impaired and neurodivergent artists. This is the best exhibition EVER. The collaboration has been a fantastic way to connect with other artists, and the exhibition will show what we can do. This show is about capability not disability.”
Through bold artworks, shared experiences and a spirit of wonder, The Magic Show invites visitors to see the world differently while celebrating the extraordinary talent of these artists.
During this 3-month long exhibition there will be creative workshops and performances from both Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid.
The Magic Show is open in the Gallery, Sandsgate Building, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ, Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm until 27th Sept. Closed on Mondays. FREE ENTRY. For more information on The Magic Show visit:https://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/arts/gallery/the-magic-show/
Sunny Bank Mills is one of the most exciting and respected cultural and community hubs in the Yorkshire region. It is home to an acclaimed contemporary Art Gallery, a large artists’ studio community, a textile Museum & Archive, and with many other creative independent businesses on site. It’s situated in the heart of the thriving village of Farsley in West Leeds.
Photos courtesy of Sunny Bank Mills
