An inclusive space where the creative industries come together to support each other, foster collaboration, fuel innovation, and grow professionally.
Mission
Fuelled by authenticity, our industrial landscape, and the distinctive northern can-do attitude, we aim to redefine creative excellence in the region and stick it to the south by forging robust links between northern visual artists, SMEs, not-for-profits and the educational sector.
Unite and support creatives for growth
Empower northern talent to redefine standards
Offer tailored resources and legal/business aid
Host expert talks, workshops, and spotlights
Develop skills across a range of creative areas
Advocate networking opportunities
What We Don’t
Allow Self-Serving Practices
Passive Engagement
Enforce self-indulgent content
Our aim is to ensure that Square Lens Alliance supports the local creative landscape in achieving its full potential to compete with other regions.
Next event
Thursday 19th June 2025
at The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough Mills, Halifax
BECOME A MEMBER
Event Agenda
Screen Diversity Programme 2025 with Josh Reynard, Screen Yorkshire
Josh Reynard will introduce Yorkshire’s Screen Diversity Programme, a free part-time training course launching in summer 2025. Aimed at Yorkshire residents aged 19+ who want to break into film, TV, VFX or virtual production, the programme builds confidence, develops industry skills, and supports new talent into screen careers. Josh will explain what’s involved and how to apply.
+
Film Showcase + Live Demo with Filmmaker Ben Williams
Ben Williams is a freelance filmmaker whose work beautifully explores movement through theatre and dance. He will be presenting Sunny Side, his latest collaboration with Northern Rascals, a Yorkshire-based performance company known for blending original writing, dance, and bold visual storytelling to explore social and political themes.
He will also give a live demonstration on capturing dynamic movement on camera, ideal for filmmakers, dancers, and visual storytellers alike.
+
Networking & Community Building
Throughout the evening, enjoy refreshments and the chance to meet fellow creatives, share ideas, and discover new collaborators.
Next Projection
Sunny Side, Ben will share insights into the creative process behind the film and how it brings Northern Rascals’ distinctive style to the screen.
Next Workshop
Member Spotlight
Critique night - Constructive Feedback - members share 1-2 min piece and received nice and constructive feedback ready to uplift their skills. (Coming soon)
Engagement Opportunities & Collaborative Projects
Creative workshops, practical skills-building, networking events, and collaboration on projects while also helping in easing the crewing for any art-related projects.
Professional development
Seminars, training programs, mentoring schemes, and peer-to-peer support for a well-rounded support network.
Advocacy & Resource Sharing
Collective advocacy against issues affecting the creative industry. Empowering our community by sharing and showcasing knowledge, tools, and expertise with others in the community.
Legal and Business Support
Access to legal advice, business resources, and contract templates tailored for creative industries to help with legal and business aspects.
Be a part of things
We’re a friendly bunch. SLA members aren’t just names on a database, we welcome all participants to have their say in steering groups and brainstorming sessions to shape the future of the Alliance and bring your innovative input to the table.
Bimonthly Meetings
Our meetings are held every two months in the relaxed and creative atmosphere of the Copper Auditorium at Square Chapel Arts Centre, located in the heart of Halifax
Members of Square Lens Alliance are passionate about creating visual stories that entertain, inspire, and challenge. We believe in the power of collaborative effort and the magic it brings into existence. Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling journey!
Square Lens Alliance strives to ignite the creativity of talented artists, fostering an environment of support and commitment to cinematic excellence.
Living by our vision and values is at the heart of our endeavour. Our goal? To create a collective that celebrates the power of storytelling, the creativity of our members, and the profound impact of visual storytelling.
Meet the visionaries behind Square Lens Alliance.
Our members are dedicated to crafting visual narratives that captivate, motivate, and provoke thought. We kindle the artistic flame and pledge to keep that fire lit. Full stop.
We nurture an atmosphere rooted in support and a quest for visual brilliance whilst building a community that reveres the art of storytelling, celebrates the ingenuity of our members, and recognizes the profound impact of visual narratives.
Meet the trailblazers who laid the foundation for Square Lens Alliance's vision.
DAVE HACKNEY
Filmmaker
ALIXE LOBATO
Creative Director
DERYN CARR
Cinematographer
Dawn Feather
Filmmaker & Lecturer
March 07th, 2024
May 16th, 2024
July 11th, 2024
September 12th, 2024
November 07th, 2024
February 27th, 2025
March 29th, 2025
April 24th, 2025
June 19th, 2025
Get Involved
Explore opportunities for getting involved. Join hands, heads and hearts - let’s create an unstoppable torrent of creativity!
Link to Eventbrite event
to book your free ticket
SLA Programming
Networking
Our specifically designated ice-breaking networking sessions offer the ideal opportunity to grab a cup of coffee or a pint and participate in fast-paced 2-minute speed-dating-style conversations with fellow members, all while exploring the potential for future collaborations.
Upcoming Topics
Turning passion projects into sustainable endeavours, Building an online portfolio and web presence, Fundraising approaches, Virtual Production, What is Virtual Production, Creative Lighting, AI for creatives
Supported by
