Book now for Michelle’s Performance @ Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck
7:30pm Fri 18th September & 7:30pm Saturday 19th September. Tickets are free to book and then Pay what You Decide on the night.
What is Division?
I have been holding workshops and talking to people across Leeds asking “what is Division?” This question opens the discussion about division in society and in our day to day encounters.
Love Letters To Leeds
As part of the Division project, I have been asking the people of Leeds to share their thoughts on what Leeds means to them. Her are a few love letters to the the city.
Division - An new programme of work
Marking Leeds’ 400th anniversary, Michelle’s new project will use community voices, workshops, video, and live poetry to tackle division head on. Bringing people together to explore identity, and resilience. Creating an honest, inclusive, and hopeful reflection of Leeds that can be revisited for years to come.
To help fund this project, you can donate via the project crowdfunder page.
Division Workshop - Music House June 22nd ‘26
We had such a lovely session at Music House, Leeds—sharing conversations, stories, writing, and reflecting together on what division means to each of us.
One thought that stayed with me was the idea of the divisions within division. What does a flag really mean? To each of us? What do we see when we look at it? What histories, identities, and emotions does it carry? Everyone has a different viewpoint.
It was a small but mighty gathering of souls. We enjoyed every minute and even ran a little over time—which always feels like a good sign.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along. Thank you for your words, your poetry, your openness, and your company. You made the evening something really special.
I'll be heading back to Music House, and I can't wait to continue these conversations.
Division Workshop - Getaway Girls May 29th ‘26
For my first Division workshop, I spent a wonderful day visiting Getaway Girls, collecting poems for the project.
It became far more than a poetry gathering. I met girls I had once taught years ago, now returned as confident women, project managers, mums, champions in their communities, and leaders in their own right.
We shared stories, laughter, memories, and honest conversations about life, growth, struggle, and hope. Seeing their journeys unfold was deeply moving and a powerful reminder of how spaces of support, creativity, and care can ripple across generations.
“Leeds is nothing without its people”, @ Getaway Girls
Division Workshop - Chapel FM April 29th ‘26
I visited Chapel FM engage with staff, volunteers and participants to gather stories and views on division. I joined the group from Sanctuary Diaries, a radio and storytelling project that brings together the voices and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, sharing stories of hope, resilience, belonging and courage. Chapel FM is truly at the heart of the community, amplifying local voices and reaching from Seacroft to the world.
I enjoyed learning about the wide range of creative projects taking place at Chapel FM. I was particularly honoured when members of the Chapel FM Writing Group contributed their own words and reflections to The Division 400 poem, enriching it with their creativity, insight and lived experience.
Many thanks to Peter Spafford and Tony Macaluso for their time, support and encouragement. I look forward to joining Peter on the radio to talk about the journey of The Division and the stories of Leeds.
