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.