Photo North brings major photography pop-up to Leeds Kirkgate Market as part of Situation Leeds 2026

Leeds is set to welcome a major city-wide celebration of contemporary visual arts as Situation Leeds returns from 11–24 May 2026, activating venues and public spaces across the city with exhibitions, projects and events.

As part of the programme, Photo North will present a free public pop-up exhibition at Leeds Kirkgate Market, bringing photography directly into one of the city’s most vibrant everyday spaces.

Opening from 11 May, the installation places contemporary photographic work within the flow of daily market life, offering open, accessible engagement with photography outside of traditional gallery settings.

The pop-up features work by a selection of 2026 festival artists:
Soulla Petrou, David J Shaw, Joanne Coates, Mike Abrahams, Peter Dench, Anne Worthington, Tom Shaw and Leeds International African Arts Festival artists: Tobi Dosumu, John Moussa Kalapo, Oluwakemi Oluwunmi.

It also includes the Alumno Photo North Student Photography Competition finalists:
Tracy McIlhatton Riley Lawless and Georgia-Millie Crocker.

The exhibition forms part of Situation Leeds’ wider commitment to city-wide, artist-led programming that connects audiences with contemporary practice in accessible and unexpected spaces.
Sharon Price, Photo North founder said:
“This project is about meeting audiences where they are, bringing photography into the everyday life of the city and opening up space for conversation, curiosity and connection.”

The exhibition is free to visit and open to all during market opening hours.

For more information and full Situation Leeds listings: https://linktr.ee/situationleeds

See you there!
Pete & Sharon