COURTNEY SPENCER
DYCP - YOUR WORK
Please scroll through the list of ten selected projects
(one of the last projects relates to the letter of support from Michael Shaw)
THE ART COURT AT FIRST WHITE CLOTH HALL
CURATOR: Courtney Spencer
COLLABORATOR: Rushbond
DATE: March - June 2024
VENUE: First White Cloth Hall, Leeds
The Art Court partnered with Yorkshire property developers Rushbond to transform the refurbished Grade II* listed First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate, Leeds, into a temporary gallery.
Courtney Spencer curated Beyond Colours From Life and The Spring Exhibition over two floors, opening the space for three months. This collaboration provided Leeds with an accessible arts venue, showcasing a range of works and engaging diverse audiences in an iconic heritage building awaiting future use.
THE ART COURT X EYE ROOM
CURATOR: Courtney Spencer
COLLABORATOR: Eye Room
DATE: Jan - Dec 2024
VENUE: Eye Room, Leeds
Eye Room, an independent optician in Leeds city centre, is celebrated for its Scandinavian-inspired design and curated eyewear collection. Collaborating with curator Courtney Spencer, the space has been transformed into a platform for artists to showcase their work and for audiences to engage with contemporary art.
Exhibitions include Close to Home by Jonathan Hooper, Render Me Chaotic by Helen Dryden, Seeing Beyond by Hondartza Fraga, and Chromatic by Sarah Louise Hawkins.
CORN EXCHANGE COMMISSION
PRODUCER: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: Rushbond
DATE: Jul 2024
VENUE: Leeds Corn Exchange
Rushbond, custodians of the Grade I listed Leeds Corn Exchange, commissioned Ilkley-based watercolour artist Cat Barrett to create staircase murals. Chosen from over 70 submissions by a panel featuring Kirsty Young, Simon Rix, Courtney Spencer, and Georgina Maude, Barrett’s 2024 design is inspired by the Corn Exchange’s iconic roof. Her Victorian greenhouse-themed murals beautifully combine botanical elements with architectural elegance, adding a vibrant and uplifting feature to this historic cultural landmark.
RUFFLES BY LORNA JOHNSON
PRODUCER: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: National Trust
DATE: April - Oct 2024
VENUE: Knole, Kent
Ruffles by Lorna Johnson is a site-responsive installation celebrating trailblazing women who defied norms to shape society. Displayed at Knole, Vita Sackville-West's birthplace, it was part of the Vita Season honouring her bold, unconventional life. Hand-sewn ruffled cushions represent the interdependent support among women of different backgrounds, while a scent inspired by Vita's gardens enhances the experience. Ruffles pays tribute to Vita’s legacy as a fearless visionary and cultural icon
MAPPING OUR BETTER LIFE
CURATOR: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: The British Library
DATE: Feb - Mar 2024
VENUE: Leeds Playhouse
Mapping Our Better Life showcases artworks by young asylum seekers in the care of Leeds City Council, created through a collaboration between the British Library and Leeds Children and Families Social Work Services. Inspired by a visit to the Library’s vast map collection, the young people reflected on their journeys to the UK, translating their experiences into powerful artworks that celebrate resilience and exploration.
DEFINITIONS OF DRAWING I & II
CURATOR: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: Sunny Bank Mills
DATE: Sept-Nov 2021 & Aug-Sept 2023
VENUE: Sunny Bank Mills Gallery, Pudsey
Definitions of Drawing I & II showcased innovative approaches to drawing, from traditional techniques to expanded practices. The first exhibition in the former mill building featured 15 artists, including Jenny West and Richard McVetis, while the second added playful colour with 12 artists including Lothar Götz and Jia Xi Li. Supported by Arts Council England, the exhibitions included workshops, a panel discussion, and a guided tour, celebrating the evolving and diverse possibilities of drawing as a medium.
THE MERCER OPEN
PRODUCER: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: The Mercer Art Gallery
DATE: Sept 2022 - Jan 2023
VENUE: The Mercer, Harrogate
This eclectic exhibition celebrated Yorkshire talent. Artists connected to the county were invited to submit work to be considered for the show. Over 350 artists submitted over 1,000 pieces and from this, the selection panel chose 170 works from 90 artists.
The eclectic group show included prompts throughout to encourage visitors to engage in “slow looking”, to take the time to make discoveries about the artwork and form a more personal connection with works.
50 YEARS OF LEEDS PLAYHOUSE
CURATOR: Courtney Spencer
CLIENT: Leeds Playhouse
DATE: May 2021 - May 2022
VENUE: Leeds Playhouse
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leeds Playhouse, two exhibitions were curated to honour its history and community connections. A temporary exhibition drew on archival materials to showcase the theatre’s journey, memorable events, and links to the people of Leeds. For the permanent display, artist Cait McEniff was commissioned to create illustrations depicting community memories, from childhood adventures to finding love. Together, these exhibitions highlight the Playhouse’s legacy and impact.
INF23 BY MICHAEL SHAW
PRODUCER: Courtney Spencer
COMMISSIONER: Left Bank Leeds
DATE: Sep 2019
VENUE: Left Bank Leeds
INF23 was a site-specific inflatable sculpture made in response to the architectural features within the Grade II* former church building.
This epic sculpture measuring 26m in length and 8m in height was made using c.600m of ripstop fabric. The fluorescent Dr Seuss-like stripes emphasised the sculptural form of the piece and created a high sensory impact that appealed to a broad range of visitors.
CRITICAL MASS BY EVA MILEUSNIC
PRODUCER: Courtney Spencer
DATE: Jan 2019
VENUE: Left Bank Leeds
This Donut Group project celebrated Leeds' rich diversity by engaging communities through 30 plaster-casting workshops led by Eva Mileusnic at venues including Left Bank Leeds, Sunny Bank Mills, and Chapel FM. Over 1,000 plaster “feet” were created, symbolising the multicultural identity of the city. The installation featured an interactive soundscape by Bob Birch and was funded by Leeds Inspired, with displays at Sunny Bank Mills and Left Bank Leeds.
