The “Threads of Freedom” project in Leeds invites residents to free textile workshops at local libraries, creating embroidered and patchwork pieces about freedom. These artworks will form a collaborative tapestry displayed at Leeds Central Library, celebrating community art and commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.
What is the Threads of Freedom project in Leeds and how can residents participate?
The Threads of Freedom project invites Leeds residents to join free textile workshops at local libraries, where they can create embroidered and patchwork pieces exploring the theme of freedom. All skill levels are welcome, and selected artworks will form a collaborative tapestry displayed at Leeds Central Library.
Celebrating Community Art: The Threads of Freedom Project
Leeds Libraries are opening their doors and inviting the entire city to shape a new chapter in its rich cultural tapestry with the innovative “Threads of Freedom” project. This initiative, supported by the national “Our Freedom: Then and Now” campaign and funded by Arts Council England, encourages the community to come together in a creative exploration of freedom, commemorating 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The project will culminate in a collaborative textile artwork, destined to become a lasting piece of Leeds’ heritage and displayed on the first floor of Leeds Central Library alongside the much-admired Leeds Tapestry.
A series of free workshops hosted across various city libraries in September and October paves the way for residents to get involved, regardless of their experience or background. These sessions – aptly named “Storytelling with Fabric and Thread” – are led by artists Hayley Mills-Styles and Elnaz Yazdani. Participants will dive into techniques such as embroidery, patchwork, and embellishment, all drawing inspiration from Leeds’ vibrant history and its vast photographic archives. This hands-on approach provides a unique opportunity for local voices to shape the narrative of freedom as it stands today.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, highlights the unifying power of the project: “Threads of Freedom is a wonderful example of how creativity can bring communities together to reflect on our shared past and imagine a better future. I’m proud that Leeds is contributing to this national tapestry of voices, and I hope many people will feel inspired to take part in a way that reflects the spirit of our city.” The project’s inclusive ethos ensures that anyone interested can contribute – no previous textile experience is necessary.
Engaging with History Through Fabric
Workshops are at the heart of the Threads of Freedom programme, designed to engage both beginner and experienced textile artists in creative dialogue. The “Storytelling with Fabric and Thread” sessions explore a range of textile arts, encouraging participants to use embroidery and patchwork to translate their ideas about freedom into visual narratives. These workshops don’t just focus on crafting skills but also on uncovering personal and community stories, making each stitch a tribute to both individual and collective memory.
Skill development is further emphasized in the “Make Do & Mend” sessions, which introduce traditional textile repair techniques vital to British history. “Skill Share in the Art Library” lets local artists share their expertise in textile repair, while Lorna Johnston leads sessions on woven and honeycomb darning. These workshops have generated significant interest, filling seats quickly and prompting organizers to set up waiting lists for eager participants. For those interested in joining, event details and booking options are available via TicketSource.
The final tapestry will be a mosaic of artworks crafted during these sessions, with selected pieces woven together to form a cohesive work reflecting the diverse perspectives of Leeds’ residents. These artworks will be assembled at key community hubs, including Leeds Central Library, Moor Allerton Library, Seacroft Community Hub, Yeadon Library, and Armley Library. This decentralized approach ensures accessibility and encourages participation from all corners of the city.
The National Context: Our Freedom Then and Now
The Threads of Freedom project is a local manifestation of a broader national movement. It is one of 60 community-led commissions forming part of the “Our Freedom: Then and Now” programme, a commemorative initiative marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Supported by a £2 million investment from the UK Government via Arts Council England, this campaign invites communities across Britain to reflect on the enduring legacy of wartime freedom and to envision new meanings for freedom today.
“Our Freedom: Then and Now” runs from June to November 2025, providing a platform for artistic expression through more than just tapestry. The programme encompasses exhibitions, performances, and installations, each exploring the theme of freedom through the eyes of veterans, artists, and local residents. For further details on the national campaign and its myriad of creative outputs, visit the official Our Freedom: Then and Now website.
Emma Hayton, Art Librarian at Leeds Libraries, is enthusiastic about the city’s participation: “It’s so wonderful to be able to work with the people of Leeds to add an updated companion piece to the already much-loved Leeds Tapestry. We’ve been spending time with different community groups looking at our collections together, and the city-wide programme is shaping up nicely. Come along to one of our events in Leeds Central Library and get involved!” Her comments underscore the pride and anticipation felt across the community as the project unfolds.
Building Bridges: The Role of Arts Centres and Collective Creativity
The Threads of Freedom initiative is bolstered by the support of Future Arts Centres (FAC), a national network representing more than 170 creative hubs across the UK. FAC champions the role of arts centres as public spaces that nurture creativity, promote cultural expression, and foster a sense of community. In 2023, FAC became a registered company and an Arts Council England IPSO, cementing its status as a pivotal force for sector leadership and support.
In the words of a Future Arts Centres spokesperson: “We’re delighted to be working with Leeds Libraries as part of the national Our Freedom: Then and Now programme. The Threads of Freedom project beautifully captures the spirit of Leeds – creative, collaborative, and deeply connected to its communities. It’s inspiring to see local voices shaping a new tapestry that reflects both the city’s rich history and its hopes for the future. We can’t wait to see what emerges from this vibrant partnership.”
This collaborative model is echoed in the very fabric of the Threads of Freedom tapestry, which will be shaped by the hands and stories of hundreds of participants. The project not only honors the past but also looks forward, inviting residents to imagine what freedom means in today’s world. The process is both a skill-sharing exercise and a celebration of local identity, opening the door for all to contribute to a permanent work of art that will stand as a testament to Leeds’ enduring community spirit.
Key Details at a Glance:
- What: Threads of Freedom collaborative tapestry project
- Where: Workshops across Leeds libraries; final tapestry at Leeds Central Library
- When: Workshops in September and October; running through to November 2025
- Who: Open to all Leeds residents; led by local artists and supported by Leeds Libraries and Future Arts Centres
- How to Join: Visit TicketSource for workshop details and booking
For more information about the national campaign and the broader context of commemorative creative projects, see Our Freedom: Then and Now.
- The “Threads of Freedom” project in Leeds invites residents to free textile workshops to create embroidered and patchwork pieces about freedom.
- These artworks will form a collaborative tapestry displayed at Leeds Central Library, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.
- The project is supported by the national “Our Freedom: Then and Now” campaign and funded by Arts Council England.
- Workshops, led by artists Hayley Mills-Styles and Elnaz Yazdani, include techniques like embroidery, patchwork, and embellishment, drawing inspiration from Leeds’ history.
- The final tapestry will be a mosaic of artworks crafted during these sessions, reflecting diverse perspectives of Leeds’ residents.