Civic Skateboarding at the Henry Moore Institute

The Henry Moore Institute has long been home to skateboarders, who routinely occupy the exterior steps once the gallery is closed.

Civic Skateboarding is about forming better relationships between skateboarders and Leeds’ civic and cultural institutions. It has been developed by artist Harry Meadley, and co-created, co-curated, and co-skated by many members of the Leeds skateboard community.

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023, Civic Skateboarding aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the local skate community, while inspiring progress towards safer, more inclusive public spaces for all.

All weekend, there will be a number of inclusive and supportive street skating sessions taking place throughout the city centre. All abilities, genders and ages welcome, all for free, and in a non-competitive environment.

Join Civic Skateboarding on Saturday 16 September, 16:00–17:00, for the inauguration of a new sculptural intervention by artist Harry Meadley on the facade of the Henry Moore Institute.

The work, titled For SB, sees an almost unnoticeable act of restoration take place to what is known by skateboarders as the ‘Henry Moore ledge’. The restoration will help preserve its long-term use for the act of skateboarding, as well as limiting damage to the Grade 2 listed building elsewhere.

We hope this mutually beneficial gesture sets an example for how street skating can become more embraced by arts institutions, which frequently find themselves being popular skate spots. The event highlights the Institute’s importance as a site of cultural significance for a commonly misunderstood community, and our commitment to the skateboard community literally on our doorstep.