Spotlight on Arts – Albina Leicester Seeing the City Anew Through Photography and Participation
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In this week’s episode of Spotlight on Arts on Soar Sound, John Coster and Rob Watson sit down with Albina Leicester, a thoughtful and committed artist whose creative journey in Leicester speaks to the power of rediscovery, memory, and connection. What emerges is not just a personal story of artistic development, but a wider reflection on how people come to see the places they live in through new eyes—especially when prompted by the quiet encouragement of others.
Albina arrived in Leicester from Lithuania in 2010. With no English at the time, she gradually built a life that included working with older people in supported housing schemes. It was there, through the influence of the artist Carol Williams and her late husband Tony, that Albina found herself drawn back into the world of art and photography. What began as admiration for Carol’s paintings grew into a deeper friendship and creative collaboration, culminating in plans for a shared exhibition at this year’s Dock Photo 8, where Albina’s photographs will be exhibited alongside Carol and Tony’s paintings.
Throughout the conversation, Albina speaks of how walking the streets of Leicester, camera in hand, helped her to reconnect with the city and see its beauty—not just in the architecture or heritage landmarks, but in the everyday textures of life that many overlook. Her passion lies in capturing the present moment, and in encouraging others to join her in that process through informal photography walks and conversations.
As the discussion unfolds, the themes of care, belonging, and legacy emerge. Carol and Tony’s artwork is celebrated not only for its technique but for its emotional significance—offering joy, resilience, and a lasting impression on those who encounter it. Albina’s advocacy for public access to art is clear: more spaces are needed for ordinary people to exhibit their work and for creative expression to be recognised as a vital part of civic life.
At the heart of this episode is a simple question: how do we come to value where we live, and how can artistic participation help us see our environments—and each other—with more care and attention? Whether it’s through photography, painting, or conversation, Albina’s work reminds us that creativity isn’t about status or perfection. It’s about showing up, paying attention, and inviting others to do the same.
The Spotlight on Arts series continues to explore these questions by highlighting the voices and practices of local artists. Through stories like Albina’s, we see how creative participation can quietly but powerfully reshape how we relate to the places we call home.
Listen to the full episode on Soar Sound and join the conversation. What might you see differently in your own city today?
