Leeds Beckett University partners with Seagulls to celebrate 20 years of environmental artistry

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Leeds Beckett Fine Art students will collaborate with Seagulls to create a large-scale painting at Seagulls' new location on Water Lane in Holbeck, Leeds. As part of the Leeds Creative Play initiative, members of the public are invited to visit Seagulls between 1-2 November 2024 to contribute to the painting by working alongside Leeds Beckett Fine Art students.

The painting will be displayed the following week, where sections will be auctioned at an event to raise funds for Seagulls to continue their important environmental work.

Co-founded by Leeds Beckett graduate Cat Hyde in 2004, Seagulls has saved millions of litres of paint from going to landfills, all while providing affordable recycled paint to residents of Yorkshire. Cat, who graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Leeds Beckett University, credits her time at the university with shaping the vision that led to Seagulls.

Reflecting on her time as a student, Cat said: "I spent three fantastic years making paintings daily in the unique studios. It was incredible having the freedom to explore and discover new ways of working with paint and explore new and exciting ideas. It was a wonderful time. While studying Fine Art at Leeds Beckett, I learned many new skills that went far beyond solely making art. I was encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, and develop ideas. The art course taught me to be proactive rather than reactive. Upon graduating, I put this learning into practice, and Seagulls took flight."

James Chinneck, senior lecturer in Fine Art at Leeds Beckett University, said: "Collaborating with Seagulls is a wonderful opportunity for our Fine Art students here at Leeds School of Art. Not only do our incredibly talented students get to make significant, ambitious artwork, but they can also become part of Leeds' wider creative community. Working alongside Cat, students will see first hand how one of our graduate students decided to make a difference by setting up Seagulls.

"The project will inspire the next generation of students by helping them understand anything is possible after graduation and that studying Fine Art with us leads to creative and impactful things happening. This collaboration is a testament to the power of art to inspire and create change."

Leeds School of Arts is a key educator of artists and creatives who go on to enrich and transform all sectors of arts and culture with their limitless ambition and innovation. Their talented students are actively making a difference across art, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, architecture, and creative technologies. The expert support of their academics, who are renowned regionally, nationally, and globally, allows their expertise and individuality to shine on a prominent stage.