Channel 4 is currently casting for one of its boldest TV shows, and needs some "adventurous couples" from Leeds to take part.
If you cast your minds back to right at the beginning of this year, you may remember that Channel 4 grabbed headlines when it announced that it was looking for adult virgins who were willing to volunteer themselves for a brand-new reality series with the working title, 'The Intimacy Retreat'.
The nature of the new TVÂ show might not have come as a mega shock to some, as the broadcaster is also behind other sex-based reality shows such as Naked Attraction and Sex Box too.
But now, Channel 4 has put out another nationwide casting call, and this one's for the potential third series of what is probably one of its most daring shows yet, Open House: The Great Sex Experiment - with producers currently on the look-out for the UK's most "adventurous couples", including those from West Yorkshire, to take part.
Channel 4 is looking for couples from Leeds to take part in a big 'sex experiment' / Credit: C4
Unfamiliar with the premise of Open House: The Great Sex Experiment? Well, in a nutshell, the series basically explores whether relationships can thrive without monogamy.
In what is described as a "bold social experiment", a group of monogamous couples are asked to consider, for the first time, if they would be happier in open relationships, while relationship coaches and sex therapists assist them in their journeys to challenging the notion that having sex with other people is at odds with being in a committed relationship.
However, it's not all plain sailing, as the couples discover the difficulties involved with abandoning monogamy.
The bold reality show's producers are on the lookout for 'adventurous couples' / Credit: C4
The casting call on the Channel 4 website reads: "Do you fancy taking part in a potential new series of 'Open House: The Great Sex Experiment'? Do you question monogamy? Would you like the opportunity to explore opening up your relationship? In this bold concept, committed couples come to a luxury retreat to test whether opening up their relationships and having sex with other people will strengthen their bond."
Reckon you're up for it then? If you fancy taking part in the next series of Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, then head on over to the Channel 4 website to find out more and apply.
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth. Â
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.Â
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd July 2024 
