Kara Lyons is a renowned sculptor, artist and the director of Ebor Studio in Littleborough. With a distinguished academic career spanning 22 years, Kara taught at a number of universities before turning her focus towards creating a space where artists could thrive beyond institutional walls, that vision became Ebor Studio.
Founded in 2012, Ebor Studio began with an ambitious programme of creative events, aimed at bringing artists and the wider community together.
Over time, it evolved into a vibrant artistic hub, now supporting 14 artists in residence with dedicated studio space, alongside a further 16 associate members. In 2018, the opening of the Ebor Gallery marked a significant milestone, enabling the studio to host exhibitions and further amplify the voices of diverse contemporary artists.
Central to Kara’s ethos is collaboration. Through partnerships with organisations such as Touchstones Rochdale, Ebor Studio has successfully brought together artists from a wide range of backgrounds, fostering dialogue, experimentation and shared practice.
This commitment to inclusivity and partnership has helped position Ebor as an important cultural presence in the region.
Like many arts organisations, Ebor Studio faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
However, under Kara’s leadership, adversity became an opportunity for innovation.
The studio responded by developing a virtual tour, launching a comprehensive website, and later introducing the striking Ebor Billboard publication on the side of the building.
This highly visible platform allows artists to showcase their work and promote events, ensuring creativity remained accessible even during periods of physical isolation.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Kara has cultivated something less tangible but equally powerful: a strong, family-like community. Ebor Studio is widely recognised as a supportive and collaborative environment, where artists are encouraged to grow, share and support one another. This sense of belonging has become one of the studio’s defining strengths.
Kara’s artistic practice continues alongside her directorial role. Her latest project is the creation of a sculpted bust of the Mayor of Rochdale, Janet Emsley. Commissioned by Rochdale Development Agency, the work has been developed through a series of sittings and extensive photographic study. The project represents both a personal and civic commission, capturing character as well as public significance.
With the bust nearing completion, it stands as yet another example of Kara Lyons’ ability to balance artistic excellence with community engagement. Through her sculpture, leadership and unwavering commitment to artists, Kara continues to shape not only materials, but also the cultural landscape of Littleborough and beyond.
