From Ashes: Free Paper Modelling Workshop

Help us build a paper model of Leeds!

Compass Live Art and Action Hero are constructing 2000 paper buildings for an interactive installation at Compass Festival in November 2026, and we need your help!

Since January 2026, we've been working with local architects 3xa Design, Page Park, Bauman Lyons, Whitby Wood & KPP to design paper models of Leeds’ houses, shops & iconic landmarks.

Over the next 6 months, we’re inviting Leeds residents to construct a miniature city through a series of free paper-modelling workshops hosted in libraries & community centres in neighbourhoods across the borough.

We've partnered up with Leeds City Museum to bring two From Ashes workshops to their monthly Keep Crafting adult sessions: one on Wednesday 1st July and another on Wednesday 2nd September 2026.

Please visit the Compass website to see the full list of From Ashes workshops taking place throughout summer!

Important information

• The workshop is 1 hour long.
• All materials will be provided. You're very welcome to take some paper-modelling packs home with you to continue the activity at home. If you do, please return your completed paper buildings to the workshop location- the team there will keep them safe before being collected by a member of the Compass team.
• Due to the use of craft knives, the sessions are age restricted 10 years +. Children under 10 years of age are of course welcome to along to the sessions with their guardian.
• All participants will be asked to sign a craft knife waiver.
• For access information, please visit the Leeds City Museum website.

Want to bring a From Ashes workshop to your school, place of work or local community space? Please email producing@compassliveart.org.uk and we will take the conversation from there!