The most exciting development this month was the visit of the Quay Brothers and their producer Lucie Conrad in early December, which left us all inspired, excited and eager.  Timothy and Stephen had a packed day of meetings, site visits, rehearsal visits and general exploring of Leeds. They met with all of our artistic directors and project partners and watched rehearsals of Phoenix at Yorkshire Dance, of NBT’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Leeds Grand Theatre, visited Leeds Art Gallery and went backstage at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
 

 
It was great to share thinking and questions about the nature, concept and timing of the project, as well as some early thoughts about collaboration and working methods. The Twins have now gone away to finish their current project (a film they are making in Poland) and to draw up what will be their, and our, timeline for the next two and a bit years. As we walked the streets and canals of Leeds all kinds of ideas floated to the surface – including the extraordinary vision of a flooded County Arcade and dancers projected onto screens made of sheets of water.
 

 
The CANVAS partners are continuing to meet on a fortnightly basis and have also just sat down for the first time with the Artists taking the lead panel that selected this project back in September. Feedback from the panel was very positive and supportive, and we all agree that we are on course to make something truly memorable for the City and for Yorkshire. Most importantly the panel agreed with us that Canvas is a project not just for 2012, but for 2016, 2020 and onwards. It’s a unique idea for a Festival – once every four years a major international artist curates our city – and we are already aware that we need to start thinking about the 2016 now.
 

 
An increasing number of individuals and organisations are now signing up on this website to receive updates and to express interest in being involved in the inaugural Canvas for 2012. The broad interest for this project is fantastic and we look forward to being able to follow this up in the New Year.
 

 
Wieke Eringa & Dominic Gray