The weekend of 16-18th September 2022 was our first alumni weekend with participants from our UNION 19 programme joining our UNION Leeds participants for a very special event at Chapel FM Arts Centre. 39 people took part.

Saturday’s session focused on ethics. The day had been planned by a group of the UNION Leeds cohort who invited Stella Barnes from Community Arts Northwest to facilitate the day.

Following discussions about why we need ethics, the group considered and prioritised their own key values:
Justice, Equity, Love, Respect, Peace, Openness and Courage. The group looked at practical ways to develop and express these values in their work and in the work of UNION (these ideas will be taking forward by UNION’s Wisdom Group).

Sunday’s session allowed participants to focus on their own journeys, working with others to consider what has happened for them since the beginning of the pandemic and looking forward to consider their next steps.

That alongside a social at Left Bank’s Night Market, open mic session, food from Season Well and discussions about what UNION is all about and where it goes next…it was a joyous, full-on weekend.

 

“UNION gives me a language and a community to talk about creativity, art, activism”

“It’s all about expanding horizons, making new connections, feeling connected. Opening doors and putting ideas into action. Being with people…things happen!”

“UNION creates a non-judgemental space and provides me with both clarity and inspiration. A community.”