A Transformed new Art Hostel will open its doors in Leeds this February

"The Art Hostel is a true one-off, there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s a chance to sleep inside the imagination of a brilliant artist."

The new Art Hostel is opening in Mabgate, Leeds, in February 2022 and will offer inventive and imaginative accommodation to curious and creative travellers.

The radical, transformed space offers beds for up to 60 guests spread across twelve remarkable rooms – affordable and truly unique accommodation for backpackers, artists and tourists alike.

Opening in February, limited press trips to Leeds are available for journalists and media:

Opening in February 2022, The Art Hostel will be a fun, affordable, comfortable and super creative place to stay. Sure to be popular with artists, musicians and creative people visiting the Yorkshire region, it is ideally placed to welcome travellers as the UK continues to see a “staycation” boom.

East Street Arts has again commissioned artists to design each space, offering insight into each artist’s mind and artistic practice. The artists have been chosen to breathe life into the new Art Hostel, making a truly original and inspiring space to stay.

Rhian Aitken, The Art Hostel manager said: “After almost two-years of uncertainty and worry during the pandemic, it’s just amazing that we can finally open up our hostel to travellers. The Art Hostel is a true one-off, there’s nowhere else quite like it. It’s a chance to sleep inside the imagination of a brilliant artist. Our mission is to make this space a really creative, comfortable, vibrant and fun place that shows off the very best of our Leeds’s art, culture and creativity to people from around the world.”

Karen Watson, East Street Arts’, director, said: “We’re so thankful for the artists who have come together in Leeds to make each room so distinctive and utterly creative, together they’ve created a brilliant atmosphere here. We couldn’t have made this happen without them – The Art Hostel is more proof that when we bring local and international artists together in Leeds we can really make something extraordinary happen.

“Our new Art Hostel will be a dynamic and inclusive place that will build financial sustainability for East Street Arts. It will help to make Leeds’ creative economy more resilient and support diverse artistic practice in the wider region by connecting people right here in Mabgate. We can’t wait to finally get it open in February!”

Belinda Eldridge, Head of Destination Marketing and International Relations at Leeds City Council, said: “We are thrilled about the opening of the Art Hostel in Mabgate in February. The vibrant city of Leeds is well known for its extensive arts scene, and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists as more people are looking to experience the creative spirit of our city. Not only will it provide affordable accommodation for visitors, but it is also located in an up-and-coming quarter of Leeds, making it an even more exciting prospect for the city. “We’re looking forward to working closely with The East Street Arts team to showcase some of the world-class arts and creativity on offer here in Leeds. From street art and contemporary galleries, to pioneering performances from our exceptional theatre scene – you don’t have to go as far as East Berlin when you can explore East Leeds?”