Wakefield’s renowned status as a City of Sculpture makes it the ideal home for this exciting project with the Royal Society of Sculptors, welcoming the Gilbert Bayes Award 2025 Winners Exhibition to the city.

This celebration of emerging artistic talent presents a dynamic and thought-provoking collection of works, offering audiences a glimpse into some of the most compelling sculptural practices shaping the field today, including Amanda Cornish, Beverley Duckworth, Bo-Yi Wu, Emmanuel Awuni, Lucy Mulholland, Madeleine Ruggi, Regan Boyce, Salvatore Pione, Stephen Burke, and Yidan Kim.

Main Gallery   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Internationally-acclaimed photographer Emily Andersen presents Somewhere Else Entirely, a three-screen video installation exploring the life and work of American-born poet Ruth Fainlight (b.1931). Known for her intensely visual writing on memory, domestic life and psychological experience, Fainlight has been a distinctive voice in British and American poetry for over six decades.

Presented in the Tiled Gallery Somewhere Else Entirely offers audiences a contemplative encounter with language, image and sound, an expanded portrait that explores how biography and creativity intertwine.

Tiled Gallery   
Open 5pm-8pm   

The novelist George Gissing was born and raised in Wakefield. His novel, 'A Life's Morning', is largely set in Dunfield, a very thinly-disguised nineteenth century Wakefield.

Our volunteers have created a display of photographs and other illustrations, entitled 'Fact into Fiction', which show the various Wakefield locations used by Gissing, with explanations of their part in his story.

Open 5pm-9pm   

On display for the Artwalk in the Gallery Space will be an exhibition preview of new paintings before they are sent to galleries around the country. Also on show will be a rare opportunity to collect a new selection of unframed studio works available direct from the artist.

Project Space, 2nd Floor   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Lucinda (she/her) is a queer artist who creates pieces which include her representation of energy, natural forms and connection.

The theme of her current work is the astonomical phase of Aries, embracing the fire element and the planet Mars.

Lucinda works full time in community mental health, focusing on a holistic approach, highlighting the benefits of Creative expression for mental wellbeing.

Lucinda has been drawing, painting and creating for over 20 years. Graduating from the University of Sunderland in 2013 with a BA Hons in Fine Art.

Lucinda's current medium is Alcohol ink on Yupo paper.

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   
Open 5pm-9pm   

My journey has come from grief, losing my partner to cancer 19 months ago. She always kept encouraging me, art has helped me so much. I started painting birds and animals, I use mostly acrylics and it's become a passion of mine and new doors keep opening up for me. I know my Amanda is helping me, I feel it. I will keep painting now.

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   
Open 5pm-8pm   

EP 3;singles in one video format of 11 minutes.
Using Studio A4 projector screen.
Two original songs;
Blue Purple Sky on Spotify
The Man From Space (unreleased)
Song three; Riverman by Nick Drake cover version
Video is made by the artist Paget
Video with digital artwork image & manipulation.

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   
Open 5pm-9pm   

The psychology of color influences human perception and emotions. Red, in particular, has a profound psychological impact on perception. Psychologically, red is often associated with intense emotions such as danger, anger, and aggression, but it also carries positive meanings like love, passion, and sexual energy.

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   
Open 5pm-9pm   

When the galley trial begins to wind down, the volume at Westgate Studios goes up. Join The Art Exchange as we host the legendary Bazza Bee’s Open Mic Jamboree.

Known across the city for fostering incredible local talent, Bazza brings his high-energy, inclusive, and supportive jam session to our studio space. It’s where Wakefield’s artists and music lovers collide to celebrate the creative spirit of the city.

🎤 Take the Stage
Whether you are a seasoned musician or a fresh talent looking to share your sound, the floor is yours.
Bring your instruments
Sign up on the night
Join the city's most vibrant creative community

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   

I’m a mixed media and textile artist based in Wakefield currently pursuing a BA in Contemporary Art Practices at Wakefield University Centre.

My current work is defined by investigating the relationship between raw materials and narrative. By experimenting with a variety of techniques involving mixed media and textiles, both individually but sometimes together, I’m exploring how contrasting elements can be combined or layered to reflect a theme. My interest in flora and fauna often informs my practice, with my most recently completed project being the ‘Contrast between Nature and Manmade’ when in situ together.

Currently in the first year of the degree pathway, the focus has been on ‘Visual Narrative and Surface Exploration’ which has presented the opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional craft and contemporary fine art practices, an area of significant interest to me and the broad theme of my Final Major Project of the year, which is currently in the early research stages.

Studio A4 "The Big Room"   
Open 5pm-9pm   

A range of recent work from Wakefield artist Roger Gardner on display in his studio.

Studio B15   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Thomas Young is a self taught artist born in Wakefield in 1992 who makes figurative art using paint on canvas.

Studio B5   
Open 5pm-9pm   

As a Jewellery Designer/Maker I invite you to come and see what my latest, ongoing works are developing into...

Studio B6   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Visit my studio during Artwalk to explore my floral inspired artwork and enjoy a special print sale. See where I create and paint original pieces, and browse through my print sale where I will be selling my art work at very affordable prices.

Studio B9   
Open 5pm-8pm   

New works in charcoal and graphite.

Studio C5   
Open 5pm-9pm   

The mindfully manifested and playful creative pieces made by the artists attending the weekly Creative Circle art classes every Monday evening at Westgate Art Studios. Curated by the artists and art tutor, Shannon Wishon. There will be a creative activity as well if you fancy a brew and a sit down once you've reached the third floor!

Studio C6   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Open 5pm-8pm   

Rob C's Poetry 1/2 Hour will be introduced by Robert P. Clarke. There will be Open Mic Slots available bookable in advance at create@artcollab.co.uk

During the ‘Poetry 1/2 Hour’ Robert P. Clarke will be reading from his most recent publications available online at Waterstones.

This event is part of the Poetry Walk with full venues to be announced here and on website www.artcollab.co.uk.

1st Floor   
Open 4:30pm-5:15pm   

Join Sarah to discuss the true stories which inspired her novel Where Are You Now? and their relevance to Wakefield and beyond. All welcome. Light refreshments.

Cafe   
Open 6.30pm-7.30pm   

Join us for a late night opening of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years – your chance to explore this wonderous exhibition during a quieter time.

Bringing a touch of magic, The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years is a 10-metre long Cat that snores, purrs, twitches its ear and swishes its tail! Brought to life by Air Giants' pioneering robotic technology, the cat invites all ages to immerse themselves in her unique movements. Wakefield Exchange will feature an immersive exhibition delving into the fascinating story of the legendary cat, complemented by a curated display of feline-themed artifacts from the museum's collection.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Inspired by Ruth Fones current collection of prints on display at WX, paint a colourful abstract landscape in acrylics, using alternative mark making techniques such as old credit cards, mount board scraps and textured fabrics. All materials provided, drop-in between 5pm-8pm.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Ruth is an artist and community arts teacher based in Wakefield. From her studio in Ossett, she paints and sells original art and prints. She uses vivid colours and alternative mark making techniques. Ruth has collaborated on creative projects with a wide range of adult community groups, including blind and visually impaired people, disabled adults, and refugee women. She has previously explored sight loss and the subtleties of vision in her solo exhibitions, and is continuing this work through an Arts Council England–supported project focused on large‑scale murals and tactile plaster artworks designed to be touched.

Glimmers is a collection of colourful semi-abstract landscapes. Ruth has been inspired by her walks where she lives in Ossett and nearby Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Ruth creates an elevated or exaggerated depiction of the view by playing with perspective and colours. She uses brighter and playful colours to transform the everyday tones of the landscapes.

The Wall   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Meet Sofia Barton a multidisciplinary artist based in the Northeast. Their work explores hybrid identities through cultural artefacts, hidden histories and South Asian folklore. Her dual Pakistani and Indian heritage shapes everything she creates: thoughtful, layered work that connects cultures and environments.

You'll see Sofia's new artwork created especially for our hub base, then hear her talk about her practice and the ideas behind the piece.

After Sofia's talk, we're moving into collective making. Using textured papers and colour, you'll write a dream or empowerment message onto a leaf shape. By the end of the evening, we'll bring everyone's leaves together to create a shared tree installation.

No experience needed. Just turn up, get involved and be part of it.

You'll find the entrance to the Unlimited Hub Base on Union Street.

Unlimited Hub Base   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Ivor Tymchak (aka Judas Parke) still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up.

His precocious skill in drawing from an early age inevitably led him to art school where he painted and made films. He wrote a weekly cartoon strip called, Life & How to Live it for Sounds music paper that later became a book. He formed the band, Gentle Ihor’s Devotion in Wakefield, and their 12 inch single, Naked, became single of the week in Melody Maker. A CD album followed along with a tour in Europe. He’s performed stand-up comedy, is a professional caricaturist and writes short stories. A collection of these stories were recently published by Armley Press under the title, Sex & Death and Other Stories.

His latest venture is the art rock band, Parke and Ride.

He paints in oils mainly with some pieces executed in watercolour and guache. He also enjoys drawing with charcoal and white chalk on grey paper.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Documentary Photograpghy of a Paranormal Investigation

'Enter the Paranormal' is a photographic documentary exhibition exploring the setting up of and investigation of a historic building in Wakefield along with supporting images in Wakefield and around the country.

Accompanying poetry with the exhibition is presented  alongside a new related published book.

Full Poetry Walk Schedule:

- Westgate, Online - Central Words - 2.30pm to 3.30pm Rob C's continued Sound and spoken word event - Visit www.robclarkeart.wordpress.com
- Waterstones - Rob C's Poetry 1/2 Hour 4.30pm to 5.15pm
- The Six Chimneys - Enter the Paranprmal Photographic Exhibition and Book Launch - Robert P. Clarke 5pm to 9pm
- The Six Chimneys - Rob C's Poetry Corner 8.30pm to 9pm

Open 5pm-9pm   

Come along to see the latest selection prints from Wakefield Camera Club and meet some of our members. Bring along your photography related questions or just come and have chat.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Come and browse some of the archive treasures cared for by West Yorkshire Archive Service. Our current exhibition showcases items from key collections from each of the five district archive offices of the West Yorkshire Archive Service in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. These treasures have been chosen to showcase the broad range of rich history rooted in West Yorkshire, from the textile industry to social welfare, prominent citizens to long standing societies, and some others are just great to look at!

We will also be on hand to guide you to craft yourself a mini notebook using historic bookbinding techniques and enjoy a cuppa whilst you are with us. All activities are free of charge.

We are an accessible venue.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Artist studio 'scene'.

It symbolises 'the happy place' of the exhibiting artist. It will show items of work in different states - work in progress on the easel, completed work hung up 'to dry', mounted pieces, framed pieces.

Self-taught artist who discovered a love of creativity during 2024. Art became her therapy during a tough period in her life. The studio she set up in a spare bedroom at home, quickly became her 'happy place'. It signified a safe space in which she found ways to release her creative energy and clear her mind ...excitedly waiting to see what was created 'in the moment'. She continues to create recreationally and ventures, sometimes, in to offering her work for sale.

She hopes you'll pop along to have a look at her work during the artwalk (the installation will be in place between 15th and 29th March).

Community Gallery   
Open 4pm-7pm   

This body of work explores the relationship between electronic music, memory and emotional experience. Drawing inspiration from the rhythms and layered soundscapes of EDM, the artist translates music into visual form through abstract compositions, dynamic movement,and bold color.

Electronic music has a unique ability to synchronize with the body and mind. Its repetitive rhythms, can influence brain activity, evoke emotional responses, and reconnect listeners with memories stored deep within the brain. For the artist these sonic experiences are deeply personal. During periods of mental struggle, electronic music became a source of grounding and emotional release carrying memories of friendships, creative inspiration and moments of joy.

Each painting begins with a song. Through oil and acrylic on canvas, the artist transforms sound into a visual echo- capturing the pulse, energy, and emotional resonance of the music that inspired it. Ghostlike figures drift through the composition, symbolising the often unseen artists behind electronic music, whose sound shapes collective emotional experiences.

This exhibition presents the first works from an ongoing project investigating how music, memory, and painting intertwine.

Open 6.30pm-8pm