This year’s Bradford District Museums and Galleries “Z Open” recently opened at Bradford Industrial Museum.
The diverse artwork by local young people who entered the competition is on display at the venue until March 8.
Z Open – curated by the museums and galleries service Young Ambassadors ‘Generation Z’ cohort celebrates artwork produced by young Bradford creatives aged between 16–25 years of age.
Juna Tu (16) won the 16–18 years category with their acrylic on canvas painting entitled Faces of Light.
The 19 – 21 years category was won by Van Garon (20) for their entry which comprises of an animation entitled Colt, a polymer clay stop-motion figure entitled Soloman Vanguard, and a poster design entitled The Revenant Program.
Haleema Aziz (25) won the 22–25 years category with their series of paintings – Wan Tini Wa Zaitun an acrylic on canvas inspired by Surah At Tin, as well as an oil on canvas, entitled Takbeer.
This exhibition supported by Arts Council England, contains work by young creatives who either live, work or study in the Bradford district. All works are available for purchase.
The winning and shortlisted artwork is on display in the main gallery space alongside other artwork which has been created by the Young Ambassadors themselves, and two of the judges.
Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork, with the winner of the Public Choice prize announced on Sunday January 25 at an event between 1pm and 3pm.
Activity and demonstrations will be held in the exhibition by selected exhibitors.
Judge Ruth Fettis said: “The standard of entries in the Z Open 2025 this year was very high; there is so much talent in the Bradford district. Juna Tu’s GCSE piece, a beautiful painting and amazing use of light. Van Garon’s clay model and animation are comical, clanky, with a message. Winner of the 22-25 category had to be Haleema Aziz, her paintings have so much depth and tell a story, there is mystery and atmosphere.”
Judge Atiyya Mirza said: “The three prize winners Juna Tu, Van Goran and Haleema Aziz exhibited exceptional quality and interesting conceptual themes of work. These echoed skill and talent, with thought provoking ideas and imaginative visualisation.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “As the district’s year as UK City of Culture draws to a close it’s clear to see that the future of art being produced by our young people is bright.”
