SARAH FRANCIS

Experience

Freelance Artist Development Facilitator, Outside In (2024–present) Deliver artist development workshops and mentoring for artists facing barriers to the art world, supporting access, visibility, and progression.
A-N Artist Council, Advocating for Change (2022–26) - Contributed to national advocacy for artists’ rights, including bursary assessment, policy input, and sector-wide work on equity and access.
Founder, The Mill Gallery Studios, Creative Studios (2023–present) Founded and run an artist-led studio in Leeds, providing affordable workspace and supporting a sustainable creative community.
Curator, International Curators Forum & Ort Gallery, Emergence(y) Project (2022–24)- Selected emerging curator; developed Agency of Realised Worlds with artist Clem Archibald.
Director & Founder, Aire Place Studios CIC (2012–present) - Lead a queer, disabled artist-led organisation supporting 1,400+ artists through exhibitions, mentoring, and public programmes.

Director & Curator, HOARD Studio & Gallery (2012–16)
Artist, Sculpture & Photography (2004–present)
Lead Workshop Facilitator, CYP Arts (2015–17)

Funding & Residencies

Leeds Creative Labs × Yorkshire Sculpture Park – Selected artist (2026) - Selected for a collaborative residency pairing artists with researchers to develop new work through interdisciplinary exchange.

British Art Network – Artist and The Other Seminar (2023) - Participated in a peer-led seminar programme exploring alternative approaches to artistic practice, critical dialogue, and collective learning.
Arts Council England – Develop Your Creative Practice (2022–23) - Awarded funding to support research and development of artistic practice, enabling dedicated time for experimentation, learning, and growth.
Leeds Inspired – The Artist and the Other Exhibition (2022)
East Street Arts – Convention House Residency & Seed Funding (2022)

Education

MA Fine Art (Distinction), University of Leeds (2009–11)
BA (Hons) Photography, First Class, De Montfort University (2004–07)
HND Television & Film Design, University of Lincoln (2002–04)

Selected Exhibitions (full list on request)

Solo Exhibition – East Street Arts, Leeds (forthcoming, TBC)- Forthcoming solo exhibition exploring responsive and evolving approaches to exhibition making through sculpture, image, and collective encounter.

From the North – Mollie’s Manchester, curated by Gemma Rolls-Bentley (2026–permanent collection)Work acquired for Mollie’s Manchester permanent collection as part of From the North, a curated presentation of contemporary Northern artists.

Global Muse – Vortic Art & Laura Day Webb, House of KOKO, London & Digital (2024) - Exhibited work within an international group show exploring contemporary global perspectives on identity and image.

Dreaming of Home – Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, New York (2023)- Exhibited in a major international group exhibition exploring queer and trans domesticity, embodiment, and belonging Artists including Catherine Opie, Rene Matić, and Christina Quarles,.
Tom of Finland Presents- The Standard, London in King's Cross. – London (2023) - Exhibited work in an international group exhibition celebrating contemporary queer art, identity, and visual culture.
 

Awards

Creative Community Organisation of the Year – UK Enterprise Awards (2022) - Awarded for leading an artist-led organisation delivering accessible, community-focused arts programmes and support.

Lord Lieutenant’s Commendation – Outstanding Service to the Community (2020) - Recognised for contributions to community engagement, access to the arts, and local cultural development.

Leeds Compassionate City Nomination – Art Project of the Year (2019)- Nominated 

Talks / Panels

Going Dutch – Panel Member, Leeds Art Gallery (2024)
Empowered: Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent Artists – Bradford Producing Hub (2023)
Disability, Access & Artist-Led Spaces – East Street Arts / Unlimited (2020)
Love Arts Conversation – Leeds City Museum (2016)
 

Professional Appointments

Chair of the Board – Aire Place Studios CIC (2016–present) 

Chair of the Board - The Other Studios (2024-present)

Memberships

Artist & The Other Collective (2022–present)
DISrupt – Leeds Disabled Artists Collective (2021–present)
Outside In (2020–present)
Arts and Minds – Leeds (2015–present