Compass commissions and presents interactive live art projects in Leeds, UK. We run an artist residency programme, present standalone projects and exhibitions and artist development initiatives. Compass is also the driving force behind the biennial Compass Festival.
We believe that everyone can enjoy the very best of contemporary live art and we work closely with partners around the city and beyond to present thought provoking, entertaining and moving projects in a range of settings including libraries, markets, museums, shopping centres and the city streets.
We take time to work with artists and communities making sure the projects we commission are considered and fully engaged with their surroundings.
Compass is also the driving force behind Compass Festival, a biennial festival of live and interactive art projects that take place all over Leeds. The 5th edition of Compass Festival is coming to Leeds in Spring 2021.
Join our mailing-list to find out more about our exciting plans for 2021.
What Audiences Say
âI really wouldnât have expected to stumble on some place so lovely just at my doorstep… we had such good conversations. Normally thatâs not really like me, Iâm quite shy…â
âFantastic event â loved the fact that it was silent so we were able to digest it and make our own thoughts…â
âA great way to step out of the regular city life and discover a new perspective of it…â
âWe were absolutely bowled over â fantastic in both concept and execution!! â
âIâm so happy I could cry!â
Information for Artists
We create our programmes carefully through a range of artist residencies, open calls for proposals and invited commissions.
Applications to our residency programme and festival open calls are currently closed. We will be seeking new projects from summer 2021.
The best way to keep in touch with us is to join our mailing list via the contact page to keep abreast of the latest opportunities, coming to a Compass event or by dropping us an email to introduce yourself and your work. We look foward to meeting you.
âThe level of support, advice and appropriate response to project demands has been outstanding… The technical and production support in realising this multi-stranded project was extraordinary.In the case of Compass the work and its artist are literally supported and hosted from the point of arrival to the point of exit. We really appreciate this attention to detail on all levels as an art work itselfââ Etheridge & Persighetti
History
Compass was founded in 2010 by Annie Lloyd, Karen Watson (East Street Arts) and Sarah Spanton (Waymarking).