Sketch Walks
Find out more about upcoming Sketch Walks on our Events page.
Leeds Sanctuary began hosting Sketch Walks in 2023, recognising the value of creativity and learning local history.
Together with local artist and historian, Clifford Stead, we visit sites in the city of Leeds that have been key to a particular activist movement, where we learn something about our city’s history and take the opportunity to creatively capture what we notice there.
Previous Sketch Walks have been on themes such as Racial Justice, Activism and Non-Conformism, Queer History and Climate Justice.
Our Sketch Walks are open to anyone of any faith or none, but if you’d like to know more about our Christian reasons for running the group, you can find out more at the link below.
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Don't Forget Me: Racial Justice (2024)
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![A person holding a piece of paper with a drawing of a statue with figures on top and people around it, with a park setting and benches in the background during evening or twilight.]()
A Tale of Two Cities: Wealth Inequality (2026)
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![A group of people gathered outdoors in an urban setting, listening to a man speaking while holding papers. The background features historic and modern buildings, including a church and a red brick building, under a blue sky with some clouds.]()
Our Power, Our Planet: Climate Activism (2025)
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![Colorful abstract sculpture resembling a flower with striped and floral patterns in red, yellow, blue, green, and purple, set in an urban park with trees, benches, and people walking and sitting.]()
Walking Windrush (2025)
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![Crowd of people gathered outside on a city street in the evening, with buildings and streetlights illuminated, and a clear blue sky overhead.]()
Don't Forget Me: Racial Justice (2024)
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![People sitting on steps at sunset in an urban area with historic buildings and a church clock tower in the background.]()
A Tale of Two Cities: Wealth Inequality (2026)
Make a donation
“It's lovely to have an excuse to look differently at a place you see all the time”
We are pleased to be able to offer our Sketch Walks for free, but we would be grateful if you would consider making a donation or becoming a regular giver to Leeds Sanctuary so that we can continue to run these sessions for anyone who would like to come.
“It's a joyful night to sketch with people in different age groups. Suitable timing. Look forward to joining other activities.”
Resources
Listen to a podcast conversation about Leeds’ history of activism and non-conformity
Go out for a Sketch Walk in your own time, listening to one of our recordings
Accessibility and Safeguarding
We recognise that not everyone finds it easy to make their way around Leeds city centre, so if you would like to come to one of our Sketch Walks but have concerns that the route may be unsuitable for you, please contact Emma Temple, our Justice Practitioner, for a conversation.
We believe that Safeguarding is at the heart of Sanctuary, and you can read our Safeguarding policy here. We do take photos at these events which may be shared in digital spaces and in print, but if you would prefer not to be in these photos, please let a member of our Team know on the day.