The Magic Show exhibition brings inclusive art to Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills has opened one of its most ambitious and joyful exhibitions to date. The Magic Show exhibition has taken over the Gallery in Farsley, Leeds, and runs until 27 September 2026.

The exhibition brings together disabled, neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists. Together, they celebrate creativity, collaboration and imagination through a vibrant collection of work.

Henshaws and Pyramid transform the Gallery

Sunny Bank Mills created The Magic Show in collaboration with Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid.

Artists from both organisations have transformed the Gallery with paintings, sculptures, textiles, installations, ceramics and mixed media work. Each piece explores what magic means to its creator.

Over six months, the artists took part in collaborative workshops, studio exchanges and creative experiments. Through this process, they shared ideas, developed new skills and created work together.

The Magic Show highlights the transformative power of inclusive artistic practice. It also challenges traditional perceptions of disability within the arts.

Visitors can expect a colourful, playful and thought-provoking experience. Artists have turned everyday materials into extraordinary artworks. They have also transformed familiar spaces and placed imagination at the heart of the exhibition.

A specially curated shop sits alongside the exhibition. It features handmade artworks and gifts from participating artists.

Three organisations create new opportunities for artists

The Magic Show marks a significant partnership between three organisations that share a commitment to inclusive art.

Sunny Bank Mills, Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid want to create more opportunities for artists whose work mainstream galleries often underrepresent.

The exhibition also marks the first collaboration between Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid.

Anna Turzynski, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, said:

“The Magic Show started as a small, speculative invitation to two groups of artists and has grown into a giant cultural shift here at Sunny Bank Mills. I am so excited for audiences to experience the Gallery reimagined by artists from Henshaws and Pyramid. Especially during a time where we could all use some magic in our everyday lives.”

Pyramid artists explore the magic-inspired theme

Alice Clayden, Pyramid Creative Programme Coordinator, said:

“We’re delighted to partner with Sunny Bank Mills and Henshaws on this exciting gallery takeover. Our member artists have fully embraced and explored the magic-inspired theme of this exhibition, creating unique and imaginative works that we hope will inspire, surprise and engage visitors. The Magic Show has provided a fantastic opportunity for our artists to connect, collaborate, and build communities across borders. One example is Heather’s crochet granny square blanket, which brings together more than 300 handmade granny squares contributed by makers from across the UK and around the world. Projects like this demonstrate the power of creativity to bring people together and create something truly special. It’s important that artists with learning disabilities and autism are given more meaningful platforms like this exhibition to showcase and celebrate their talent and creativity in established and respected institutions. This collaboration with Sunny Bank Mills is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to create inclusive opportunities.”

Artists share ideas, skills and experiences

Artists from Henshaws and Pyramid spent several months visiting each other’s studios. During these visits, they shared creative processes, explored the exhibition theme and learned from one another.

These exchanges helped the artists build genuine connections. They also shaped an exhibition based on collaboration, mutual learning and friendship.

Sharon Hockin, Workshop Leader at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, said:

“The Artmakers at Henshaws were so excited to be asked to be part of a collaborative exhibition with Pyramid and Sunny Bank Mills. Working alongside another local disability arts organisation in a major contemporary art gallery has been fantastic and we wish there were many more opportunities like this. We have had over 40 Artmakers involved in making and creating work for the exhibition and the shop. We felt it was important to work with the Pyramid artists from the start to enable a truly meaningful exchange of ideas, skills and lived experience. Exchange visits took place over six months as the artists explored each other’s studios, workshop spaces and all things magical.”

Henshaws Artmakers challenge perceptions

More than 40 Henshaws Artmakers created work for The Magic Show exhibition and its shop.

For the artists, the exhibition offers an opportunity to challenge perceptions and celebrate creativity on equal terms.

Debra, an artist at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, said:

“We want you to know that we are a mixed group of disabled, visually impaired and neurodivergent artists. This is the best exhibition EVER. The collaboration has been a fantastic way to connect with other artists, and the exhibition will show what we can do. This show is about capability not disability. Through bold artwork, shared experiences and a spirit of wonder, The Magic Show invites visitors to see the world differently. It also celebrates the extraordinary talent of the artists involved.”

Creative workshops and performances

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and Pyramid will run creative workshops and performances throughout the three-month exhibition.

These activities will give visitors more opportunities to experience the artists’ work, explore the exhibition themes and take part in creative activity.

Visit The Magic Show exhibition

The Magic Show exhibition runs until 27 September 2026 at:

The Gallery
Sandsgate Building
Sunny Bank Mills
Farsley
Leeds
LS28 5UJ

The Gallery opens from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 4pm.

It closes on Mondays.

Entry is free.

For more information about The Magic Show, click here.

About Sunny Bank Mills

Sunny Bank Mills ranks among Yorkshire’s most exciting and respected cultural and community hubs.

The venue sits in the heart of Farsley, a thriving village in West Leeds. It houses an acclaimed contemporary art gallery, a large community of artists’ studios and a textile Museum & Archive.

A wide range of creative and independent businesses also operate from the site.