St George’s Crypt has launched the Lazarus Project, a public art project in collaboration with artists Pippa Hale and the Rt Revd David Hawkins, honorary assistant Bishop in our diocese.
This project will co-create a public realm commission aimed at reshaping perceptions of homelessness, while nurturing the creative potential of individuals experiencing it.
Over the course of five months, the first phase of the project will bring together a group of homeless individuals from St George's Crypt to engage in a creative journey.
Working closely with Pippa and Bishop David, participants will gain skills and confidence through hands-on, creative experiences, culminating in a concept for a public artwork to be displayed across Leeds.
Christine Lane, Head of Health and Well-being at the Crypt, said: “Homelessness is often seen as a complex, unsolvable issue, but we know that the people we work with at St George’s Crypt are full of creative potential.
“Through this project, we aim to demonstrate that homelessness doesn’t define a person’s value.
“Each participant’s journey is about reclaiming dignity and expressing the stories of their lives in a powerful, creative way.”
The Lazarus Project is also an opportunity to foster long-term relationships between artists, local arts organisations, and the wider public.
By collaborating with Leeds Art Gallery, Assembly House, Left Bank Leeds and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the project aims to break down barriers between the homeless community and the cultural sector, encouraging more inclusive cultural engagement for all.
Pippa Hale, a Leeds-based contemporary artist, said: “I’m really excited to be working with David and people who have experience of homelessness and to make an artwork that speaks about it in such a public and positive way.
“Last year we saw the unveiling of Hibiscus Rising by Yinka Shonibare which commemorated David Oluwale who experienced homelessness himself (as well as racism, mental ill health and police brutality) and this year Ribbons which celebrates the contribution women have made to our city.
“These artworks mark a new direction for public art programming in Leeds.
“Lazarus builds on this legacy by raising up the voices of those who are marginalised in our society and values their strength, resilience and creative expression.”
Bishop David, who is also an environmental artist, said: “People who’ve had the misfortune to become homeless and have turned to alcohol and drugs, are just as creative as the rest of us - often more so, as you have to be creative to live by your wits on the street.
“This project is about showcasing that creativity and encouraging society to revise their view of homeless people.
“After all it only takes redundancy, house re-possession and a relationship breakup to put you on the street – there but for the grace of God go I.
“Lazarus is about re-instating people who’ve been marginalised and helping to bring an end to the need for people to have to live on our streets.”
St George’s Crypt believes the project will provide long-term opportunities such as mental health support, educational programmes, and creative mentoring.
For more information on how to support the Lazarus project or to make a donation, please contact St George’s Crypt.