Bradford Art Show opened at Loading Bay this past weekend, and lasts until December 21.
It is part of the OUR TURN festival, and showcases 124 artworks by 105 local creatives – making it a snapshot of creativity from across the district.
Curated by independent curator and researcher Dr Kerry Harker, the artwork for the exhibition was selected from an open call inviting anyone in Bradford – from professional artists to those creating for the very first time – to submit work responding to the theme OUR PLACE.
Dr Harker, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to curate an exhibition that shines a light on such a wide range of artworks. From film and photography to painting and printmaking, Bradford Art Show brings together a truly exciting collection of work that recognises local people’s experiences and creative voices.
“It has felt really special to gather so many artists in one place at one time. To all the artists who submitted work, we’d like to say an enormous thank you for entrusting us with your creations and helping to make this exhibition possible. It’s a fantastic showcase of visual arts from across the Bradford district.”
Bradford Art Show is the final programmed exhibition at Loading Bay, Bradford 2025’s pop-up arts venue that has been re-purposed from former Marks & Spencer warehouse space. Over the past year the venue has hosted international artists, headline names and groundbreaking installations – attracting over 35,000 visitors.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “Bradford Art Show is a vibrant collection of works created by artists and creatives from across the city and district. It brings together an incredible 124 artworks – an extraordinary breadth of talent that means there’s something for everyone.
“We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our local talent and invite audiences to discover, enjoy and support the work being made right here in the city and district.”
Bradford Art Show forms a key part of OUR TURN, a first-of-its-kind visual arts festival designed and led by artists and delivered by South Square Centre in collaboration with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Yorkshire Contemporary and Bradford Producing Hub.
Alice Withers, Director at South Square, said: “The ethos of the OUR TURN festival is to be bold, experimental and authentically Bradford – and Bradford Art Show delivers this in spades. We can’t wait for people to see this special exhibition and experience the powerful, personal works created by artists from across the district.”
For more about the show and OUR TURN visit: https://www.ourturn.co.uk/
