Slap Collective is a legacy project of SLAP York which ran from 2013 to 2023 presenting and producing contemporary performance, dance and live art in the City Of York.
You can view the SLAP York Archive below.
Salacious Live Art Performance
2013 - 2015 → The beginnings of SLAP.
Founded by Lydia Cottrell, Sophie Unwin and Pete Wise, whilst sat round a pub table. We programmed work wherever we could, asked our friends to perform and borrowed technical equipment. We focused on the risky and small-scale and artists who produce work on the fringes of traditional performance. We put unusual work into usual spaces for unsuspecting audiences: including unused office spaces, in a pub, a club, a bus stop, a music festival and everywhere in-between.
Social Live Art Performance
2017 - 2020 → Bringing communities together though art
Led by Lydia Cottrell and Sophie Unwin, SLAP hosted a range of events and festivals in the city. With a focus on community driven performance as well a bridging the gap between education to industry for emerging artists working in York. Programming the work of local artists alongside international artists, creating an accessible and welcoming space for audiences to experience contemporary performance.
Supporting Live Art & Performance
2020 - 2023 → Supporting and developing artists in York
During 2020 SLAP switched focus from creating live events and festivals, to focusing on supporting emerging artists throughout the pandemic. Focusing on how York could support its emerging artists living and working in the City. We felt that there was a real need for York to have a dedicated artist development programme, that partners across the wide range of cultural organisations in York. To support the development of new talent, motivated by the importance of keeping art and artists here in the North. Showcasing York as a creative hub and a city that supports artist development and the creation of new work.
