Created by husband-and-wife duo James and Vicky Wall, Art Around Every Corner offers a deep dive into the stories, processes, and inspirations behind some of Leeds’ most iconic murals. It shines a light on the creative spirit that defines the city’s public art scene.
For many visitors to Leeds, the city’s vibrant street art is a key part of the scenery. Colourful murals brighten the urban landscape and provide a background to coffee runs, shopping trips, and commutes.
However, for filmmakers James and Vicky Wall, these works are far more than just visual embellishments. Their new documentary, Art Around Every Corner, offers a rare glimpse into the stories behind the paint, delving into the creative processes, personal journeys, and inspirations that drive the muralists to transform the streets of Leeds into an open-air gallery.
The idea for the film struck James Wall during a casual wander through the city centre. “There’s a street near The Calls with so many murals – even though I’d seen them before, I hadn’t properly stopped to look at them,” he says. “That day, I took the time. I texted Vicky something like, ‘We’re so lucky to have all this – we literally have art around every corner.’ That was the spark.”
From that initial moment of inspiration, the project evolved into a feature-length documentary, spotlighting the artists whose bold, large-scale works shape Leeds’ visual identity. The final line-up includes Anthony Burrill, Ekaterina Sheaf, Emma Hardaker, Jamie Steward, Jaydon Rowbottom, and Jenny Beard – each offering a unique perspective on their craft, their influences, and their relationship with the city.
Vicky Wall explains that selecting the artists was a combination of research, instinct, and community connection. “Some names were obvious – like Anthony Burrill and Emma Hardaker, who have created some of the city’s most recognisable pieces,” she says. “But others came through conversations, recommendations, and even putting a call-out on Instagram.”
The result is a mix of established names and emerging talent, all united by their connection to Leeds and their passion for using public space as a creative canvas.
One of the documentary’s central themes is the universality of creativity, meaning the shared experiences and influences that shape artists across disciplines. “We like to think we’re all completely unique in our creative journeys,” says James Wall, “but the truth is, we have a lot in common – from childhood memories to the music that shaped us as teenagers.” This commonality is something the pair are keen to explore further in future projects.
As a creative team, James and Vicky Wall bring complementary skills to their filmmaking process. James draws on over a decade of experience in the creative industry, while Vicky’s background as a qualified CBT therapist shapes their empathetic, artist-centred approach.
“Vicky’s ability to create a safe and inclusive environment is invaluable,” says James Wall. “It helps people open up on camera and share their true selves, which is what makes the interviews so rich and personal.”
That focus on creating a comfortable atmosphere is reflected in the documentary’s stripped-back production style. “We keep things small – minimal crew, minimal kit – which helps the artists relax,” says Vicky Wall. “We’re not trying to catch anyone off guard or hit them with tricky questions. It’s about giving them space to share their story in their own time.”
The couple’s slow, immersive approach to storytelling is a deliberate antidote to today’s fast-paced content culture. “So much creative content gets squeezed into 60-second clips for social media, but some stories need breathing room,” says James Wall. “We wanted to create something that people could return to, that might inspire them long after they’ve watched it.”
That sense of longevity and cultural value is especially important in the context of Leeds’ creative scene, which the Walls feel is under-appreciated and under-supported. Vicky Wall says: “Leeds has so much potential, but culturally, it’s been in decline.
“That’s part of why we wanted to make this film – to celebrate the city’s talent and show people what’s happening right under their noses.”
The film also doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenges muralists face, from navigating public perception to the logistical hurdles of painting large-scale works in public spaces. But it also highlights the power of public art to shape community identity, spark conversation, and make art accessible to everyone. “Not everyone feels comfortable walking into a gallery,” says James Wall, “but public art is there for everyone – it turns the whole city into a creative space.”
This sense of democratisation is something the featured artists resonate with, too. Many describe their work as a form of visual storytelling, blending personal experience with cultural commentary in a way that’s both intimate and universal.
The documentary has already sparked positive responses, both from the artists themselves and the wider creative community. While some of the featured artists were initially hesitant about appearing on camera, many found the process rewarding – and not just for the exposure, but for the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives. “There’s something powerful about seeing your work – and your story – on a big screen, alongside other artists you respect,” says James Wall.
The Walls hope the film will resonate beyond the creative community, inspiring both artists and non-artists alike. “We want it to reach people who don’t think of themselves as creative,” says Vicky Wall. “Maybe they’ll watch it and think, ‘I could give that a go.’ Creativity should be for everyone.”
Looking ahead, Art Around Every Corner is just the beginning for Creative Stories, the Walls’ production company. They’re already in pre-production on two new projects – one exploring the origins of creativity across different artistic disciplines and another tackling women’s health through the lens of art and storytelling.
Ultimately, the Walls see their work as part of a bigger mission: to champion creativity, amplify underrepresented voices, and create a space where stories have the time and care they deserve. “Our mantra is simple,” says James Wall. “We tell stories of creativity to spark your imagination.”
And with Art Around Every Corner, they’ve done exactly that—capturing the heart, soul, and vibrant creativity that make Leeds’ streets a canvas worth exploring.