An inclusive space where the creative and media 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 show what the North can do, by forging robust links between northern visual artists, SMEs, not-for-profits and the educational sector.
What We Do
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.
Our last event
Thursday 24th September 2026
at The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough Mills, Halifax
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Event Agenda
Opening Session: In Motion — Translating Emotion into Physical Action
Led by Alixe Lobato (Flying Duck Studio Lab), this fun, hands-on session explores how emotion becomes visible through movement — bridging dance, animation and camera work.
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Film Screening: Joy O’ Dance
We’re delighted to screen ‘Joy O’ Dance’, an award-winning documentary from director Dawn Feather (Yorkshire Edit), following young dancers in Ilkley, Yorkshire as they prepare for a milestone show — including twin sisters’ farewell performance before university, and boys defying stereotypes through dance.
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Q&A with Dawn Feather
Following the screening, Dawn joins us for a live Q&A exploring the making of the film.
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Networking & Community Building
Throughout the evening, enjoy refreshments and the chance to meet fellow creatives, share ideas, and discover new collaborators.
Open call
We're also launching an open call for members to showcase their own work at future Square Lens Alliance events — Please fill out the form to submit your work
James Stier
Our first Community Spotlight launches 14 October — meet James Stier, camera operator & DP from Calderdale.
Going live on the 14th
Meet the Community
Meet the Community is our new ongoing series shining a light on our members.
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Why Join the Movement?
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
Signposting to legal and business resources, guidance and useful contract templates.
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.
Regular Meetings
We hold regular member meetings and gatherings across Calderdale.
About Us: Who are we?
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. We’d love you to be part of what comes next.
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.
Join Us
Get the advantage of exclusive content and meetings, extra learning, and discounts on future activities. Membership is free.
By signing up you agree to how we use your data, explained in our Privacy Policy.
Founding Members
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.
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
Laura Channing
Marketing & Comms
Dawn Feather
Filmmaker & Lecturer
SLA Programming
Our programming includes expert talks from invited guests, pitching opportunities, behind-the-scenes presentations with Q&A sessions, project case studies with challenges plus Q&A, panel discussions, technical workshops, and competitions.
Throughout the year, we celebrate standout work from our members, so bring your best.
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
Women in Documentary, Accessibility & Neurodiversity in the Screen Industries, In Motion: Exploring Animation & Movement, Combat & Action in Film, Fundraising Approaches for Creative Projects, AI for Creatives
Join Us
Get the advantage of exclusive content and meetings, extra learning, and discounts on future activities. Membership is free.
By signing up you agree to how we use your data, explained in our Privacy Policy.
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