Leeds United’s official LGBTQ+ supporter group have announced they will be working on a mural in Leeds city centre that will celebrate all LGBTQ+ fans and the positive relationship they have with the club and players.
Internationally renowned street artist Jay Gilleard, AKA Cbloxx, has been commissioned to paint the mural, having previously worked in the city on a stunning piece of art at the side of Leeds City Station, the tallest mural in the UK. Jay has also produced major works all over the world, including London, Berlin and New York.
The project will be overseen by Marching Out Together, as they work closely with East Street Arts and Leeds United Football Club, with the finished product being located on the side of East Street Arts Patrick Studios building adjoining York Road – where 68,000 people pass by each day.
Stephen Wignal, Chair of Marching Out Together, has said: “On behalf of Marching Out Together, I am delighted that we are going to join the growing number of Leeds United murals around the city. To have a mural that celebrates LGBT+ inclusion, the club we love, and the local community is something really special.
“The work that has gone into resourcing this is incredible and I am proud of everyone involved. Special thanks go out to the board of Marching Out Together, East Street Arts, Leeds Inspired and the artist Jay Gillead. I cannot wait to see the mural completed and celebrate another important milestone for inclusion for Marching Out Together and Leeds United.”
Angus Kinnear, Leeds United CEO, added: “We are delighted that this exciting Leeds United and LGBT+ themed mural will be appearing soon. It will be a very powerful and visible celebration of the diversity of our great fanbase, and the club looks forward to contributing to the discussions around its final design.”
The mural has received funding from Leeds City Council’s Arts Grants stream: ‘Leeds Inspired’ along with Marching Out Together members and in-kind contributions, including the loan of a scissor lift from Media Access Solutions.
A key part of the project for Marching Out Together is to engage with three key groups to inform the look of the mural, including local residents, LGBTQ+ fans, and crucially organising sessions with Leeds United Academy players as part of the on-going commitment to educating our young players around equality, diversity and inclusion in football.
For further information on the mural, including photo and interview opportunities, and the wider Marching Out Together work, please contact [email protected].