Jon Wakeman - Creative Director, East Street Arts, Leeds (Creators of The Art Hostel)

The Art Hostel is a unique hospitality experience and the first of its kind in the UK, providing affordable & original accommodation created by artists.

As a social enterprise for East Street Arts, all of our profits are reinvested into the arts community in a direct and meaningful way.

Developed by contemporary art charity, East Street Arts, which has supported artists internationally for nearly 30 years. Embracing a more welcoming method of hosting, we help visitors to the city of Leeds interact with grassroots arts, music & events, sharing our favourite independent eateries, shops, bars and businesses.

We provide the physical infrastructure for you to get involved: to make, create, debate, sleep and explore, introducing guests to new and established cultural destinations.

We opened our initial temporary pilot hostel on Kirkgate in Leeds city centre back in 2016. This hostel was extremely successful, hosting more than 10,000 guests from more than 115 countries in two and a half years. The Kirkgate hostel closed its doors at the end of 2018 and we have since developed a brand new, larger-scale permanent Art Hostel in Mabgate, Leeds.

Part of our creative Mabgate Complex, the new Art Hostel is situated next door to East Street Arts HQ, Patrick Studios and art and tech hub, Convention House.

Designed and created by a new raft of artistic talent, it’s a fantastic spot for unique, affordable accommodation in Leeds.