Short documentaries from Leeds

We visited Assembly House in Armley, Leeds, to meet Archie Brooks and have a look around one of the city's longest-running artist-led spaces.

Based in an old Victorian mill beside the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Assembly House has grown into a community of around 80 artists, with studios, exhibitions, gigs, workshops and events all happening under one roof.

Archie takes us around the building and talks about how he went from volunteering while studying at Leeds Arts University to helping run the space, the DIY work that's gone into keeping it going, and their plans to create more affordable studios for artists in Leeds.

Part of our series documenting the people and independent spaces that make up Leeds' creative scene.

Assembly House - assemblyhouse.art

www.inthewindow.co.uk
Instagram - instagram.com/inthewindow___
Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/in-the-window

Alto Radio has become one of the most popular independent radio stations in Leeds. This short documentary dives into how Tom and Owen built a DIY station that spotlights local DJs, connects creative circles, and keeps culture alive in a city that has seen far too many venues disappear.

Tom and Owen are the Leeds lovelies behind the infamous Alto Radio we all know. Their small studio space connects a huge part of the independent and DIY community, creating a home for artists who care deeply about preserving the Leeds music scene through times of rapid development and venue closures. This documentary celebrates that spirit and the people who keep it alive.

Leeds has always had a strong underground scene, and seeing Alto bring people together, support new talent, and push forward independent culture is exactly why we wanted to tell this story. We hope this film inspires you to tune in, get involved, and support people like Tom and Owen who are part of the many keeping the Leeds scene alive!

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Alto Radio

Listen Live - altoradio.live
Instagram - instagram.com/altoradio

inthewindow

Instagram - instagram.com/inthewindow___
Website - inthewindow.co.uk

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Credits

🎬 A film by Freddie Noonan - instagram.com/freddie.noonan
🎤 Interview host - Conor Newmarch - instagram.com/constancetrax
🎧 Music by Conor Newmarch - “Forza Alto”

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Interviews

Tom Owen - instagram.com/owentrattles
Ri - instagram.com/ri_julian
Aima - instagram.com/aimalohi

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Mentions

James and Laura - instagram.com/testbedleeds
Lick Quid Gold - instagram.com/lickquidgold_
Bob & Weave - instagram.com/bobandweaveleeds
Georgie Hall (lighting) - instagram.com/georgiee_hall
Barry Smith (Barry’s Here) - instagram.com/barryshere

Wire (closed Leeds venue) - instagram.com/wireclubleeds
The Imaginarium (closed Leeds venue) - instagram.com/imaginarium_leeds
Aire Park (development site) - instagram.com/airepark

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#AltoRadio #LeedsMusicScene #LeedsDJs #LeedsRadio #LeedsMusic #CommunityRadio

Leeds Design Meets Underground Music Culture, InTheWindow Short Doc Series

In this exclusive short documentary, we sit down with Leeds-based illustrator and graphic designer Jaz Christou, the creative force behind the visual identity of In The Window. Filmed inside Hope House, a landmark in Leeds' underground scene and home to the legendary Cosmic Slop, Jaz shares insights into their creative process, their deep connection to the DIY music scene, and the importance of archiving culture through visual design.

🎨 From designing artwork for club nights and record labels to helping define the look of independent venues, Jaz reveals how Leeds’ underground energy shapes their practice, and why design is a vital part of grassroots music culture.

🎥 This is the first in our new Creatives in Leeds series, highlighting the designers, DJs, and artists shaping the sonic and visual identity of Northern England’s independent music scene.

🔗 Explore More:

🌐 Website

inthewindow.co.uk

📸 Instagram

instagram.com/inthewindow___

🎧 SoundCloud

soundcloud.com/in-the-window

🗣️ In The Window is a not-for-profit platform supporting independent DJs, artists, and venues in Leeds through events, mixes, documentaries, and workshops. Learn more about our mission: inthewindow.co.uk

This project is funded by Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme - leedscultureprogrammes.org.uk/leeds-cult…

#music #design #art #dj #creative #culture