Leeds Arts University

Ben Simpson (a.k.a Doctor Simpo), Senior Lecturer on BA (Hons) Animation, will be exhibiting a body of research at YHA Boggle Hole youth hostel in Whitby throughout the summer.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/whats-happening/leeds-arts-university-news/animation-senior-lecturer-exhibits-new-body-of-research

Continuing our alumni series for our 180th anniversary, we’re highlighting Diz Disley (1931–2010). Born in Canada to British parents, Disley grew up in Yorkshire. He studied at Leeds College of Art (now Leeds Arts University) from 1948–1950. Whilst at the College, he joined the Yorkshire Jazz Band but was called up for National Service the following year. After returning from National Service, he resumed his studies in Leeds and started selling cartoons to the Spectator, Radio Times and eventually to Melody Maker.

Disley moved to London in 1953 spending the 1950s and early 1960s playing mainly traditional jazz. During the 1960s and 1970s, he became a popular performer at British folk music shows. He hosted a weekly radio programme called 'Guitar Club' and introduced The Beatles at their first London concert. He also worked as an illustrator and cartoonist producing album covers, posters and music advertisements.

In the early 1980s Disley formed a working partnership with gypsy jazz guitar prodigy Bireli Lagrene. Later, Disley moved to Spain where he ran a bar and jazz club, before returning to the UK to continue as a freelance player leading his own groups and touring.

Final year BA (Hons) Marketing Communications students have been taking their ideas off campus, visiting two leading creative agencies based in Manchester.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/whats-happening/leeds-arts-university-news/marketing-communication-students-pitch-to-manchester-agencies

Animation students have won a competition to design t-shirts to be sold at independent Leeds store Giant Kitten, giving them a platform to showcase their talent.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/whats-happening/leeds-arts-university-news/animation-students-design-t-shirts-for-giant-kitten

Thank you to everyone who attended the lecture performance by Sophie Mak-Schram and screening of films by Parham Ghalamdar and Nikta Mohammad on Wednesday evening as part of our current exhibition, Parham Ghalamdar: Aerotheology, at our Blenheim Walk Gallery. The exhibition is open until Saturday 1 August 2026.

Congrats to BA (Hons) Marketing Communications graduate Summer Marshall on her viral video with over 8.2million views on TikTok!

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/26138020.carlisle-marketing-assistant-goes-viral-tiktok-8-2m/