We’re thrilled to announce the second strand of our artist development programme.
Practice: Leeds will support the development of emerging artists Rhian Cooke, Thahmina Begum and Matilya Njau.
The selected artists demonstrate a strong direction in their practice and a shared commitment to participation and education. Each artist will benefit from tailored mentoring and recognition to develop their practices.
Lets meet the artists!
Thahmina Begum
Thahmina lives and works in Leeds. She is an interdisciplinary artist, poet, and workshop facilitator who has exhibited internationally, nationally, and hyper-locally. Thahmina is a qualified and registered Art Psychotherapist (HCPC, BATT). Her work explores cultures, identities, belonging and British/Bangladeshi/Muslim Diaspora. Thahmina’s work explores stories, hidden narratives and storytelling through art and art making. She is passionate about making art accessible for all sections of society and the promotion of art to improve our health and well-being. She loves how art can give voices to communities/people that have been silenced. Thahmina has recently been leading our Lets Play! sessions at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre supporting families and children to explore messy and creative play.
Instagram: @artbyfudgee
Rhian Cooke
Rhian is a multidisciplinary artist based in Leeds, working across film, animation, sculpture, and installation. Her practice delves into the exploration of energy in both its physical and intangible forms, as well as the intersection of mental landscapes and urban and natural environments. Rhian’s work is rooted in handmade processes, incorporating textiles, drawing, and recycled materials. She brings her creations to life through film and photography, exploring new paths and translating materials into new immersive worlds. Rhian has led our Leeds Light Night activities and the Beeston Lantern festival in 2024.
Website: www.rhiancooke.com
Instagram: @rhiancooke
Matilya Njau
Matilya is a horticulturalist, community gardener and facilitator based in Leeds. She delivers creative workshops that explore herbal medicine, plant care and horticultural therapy. Matilya’s creative practice is centred around helping people reconnect with their immediate surroundings, creating green spaces in difficult places and using gardening and herbal medicine as a vessel to connect with self, ancestors and other human and non-human beings. The questions that drive her work are; what relationships do we need to build with plants in order to address climate and food justice? What do plants teach us about ourselves and others? How do our ancestors speak to us through the non-human world? How can green spaces act as vehicles for connection, rest and therapy?
Matilya has recently been leading on creating a beautiful garden at the Rowland Road Play Patch.
Website: www.mimea.org.uk
Instagram: @_mimea__
