Statement of Closure
© Tom Archer
It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Trustees announce CLAY (trading as LAB) will close from 31st July 2024.
This decision has not been taken lightly and in the spirit of ‘ending well’, we wish to wind up the organisation as ethically as possible, prioritising staff wellbeing and full with pride for the impact this unique organisation has and will have on the sector.
Centre for Live Art Yorkshire (CLAY) has been a vital home to, and champion of interdisciplinary and contemporary performance which takes risks and crosses boundaries; art speaking to and for communities who are too often overlooked and underserved. CLAY has been a place for protest, acceptance, connection and, most importantly, joy in an increasingly divisive landscape.
Bright and audacious, CLAY has been a distinct voice in Leeds’ cultural ecology; nurturing artists’ development locally and across the UK, while presenting globally recognised work from around the world to audiences who wouldn’t otherwise access these experiences.
Since opening as Live Art Bistro in 2012, CLAY has proved itself to be a dynamic, responsive organisation, managing the relentless cycle of project-funded challenges with artists and communities always at its heart.
In recent years, due to changing funding structures decreasing support in the current climate, particularly for smaller organisations, it has become increasingly challenging, and our operations are no longer viable.
With this in mind, we would like to extend our thanks to funders and stakeholders who have supported CLAY, particularly our friends at East Street Arts who have been instrumental in our development at every step.
We are grateful to our studio holders and every artist who contributed to CLAY’s programme and projects. You have brought magic to communities in Leeds and far beyond.
Most of all, we would like to thank and celebrate the hard work of the current staff team: Jess, Marie, (who successfully carried this organisation out of a Pandemic) Alice and Charlotte who are on the ground making the magic happen. This extends to everyone who has been part of the CLAY and Live Art Bistro teams who have helped this incredible organisation to grow over the years.
While this news of closure coincides with Jess’ decision to move on, we can affirm that our decision to close is solely a result of investigations into CLAY’s financial viability and funding model. Jess has shown irrepressible love and determination for CLAY’s community and much of what has been achieved has happened because of her determination and tenacity. We are in no doubt that Jess will continue to make brilliant things happen, and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
To the communities that CLAY has served for the last 12 years, the people this has all been for, we invite you to join us at CLAY from 8pm on Friday 7th June for our closing party – HAPPY ENDING for one last dance to bring us all together and ensure this chapter ends with the bang it deserves!
With love,
The Board of Trustees
