The Bradford City FC Community Foundation has opened an exhibition to showcase artworks created by young Bradfordians at its City Hub.

The Click & Connect exhibit materialised after weeks of workshops led by acclaimed local photographer Shy Burhan, and features works that capture local landmarks, all of which are proudly displayed on the City Hub’s walls.

Pavan Sembi, who has overseen the project from conception to creation as part of the Foundation, said: “I am very proud to be able to showcase the fantastic artworks that our young people have produced. Click & Connect has been a fantastic way to bring young people together to do something positive, creative and active. Seeing their growth over their time spent on the course has been a privilege, and now we are able to celebrate them and their work permanently.”

Beyond local landmarks, the gallery also includes more idiosyncratic pieces that provide insight into the lived experiences of young people living, studying and working in Bradford.

Each young person, whose work hangs in the Community Trust’s Hub, attended workshops that covered a series of topics – from the exploration of heritage to shooting styles, genres, and symbolism, to name a few.

Shy Burhan told the Community Foundation: “I have loved getting to know the young people I have worked with on the Click & Connect project. Each one has revealed themselves as a talented photographer throughout the duration of the programme. Photography is for everyone, and I’d like to thank the Foundation and Northern for enabling young people to connect with the artform. Seeing their work exhibited is a massive deal for them, and a huge source of pride for me personally.”

The techniques studied, and the skills demonstrated by participants, are encapsulated through the hanging artwork.

Participants also explored areas of Bradford on a series of inspirational photography walks, which included a look around historic buildings in Manningham, Salts Mill, Bolling Hall, Haworth and a journey on the Worth Valley Steam Train.

Iqra Khan, a participant on the course, said: “It is surreal seeing my work exhibited on the walls in the City Hub. I have loved learning, growing and connecting with other people on the course, and Shy has been a fantastic teacher. Being able to express myself as a young person living and working in Bradford, and to share the way I see the city I know and love, is very humbling.”

The workshops and the exhibition have been supported by the Northern Community Fund, with the rail network funding the exhibition and supporting the participant’s journeys across Bradford and the wider district.

The exhibition shall be hosted permanently at the Foundation’s City Hub, a community space which hosts many initiatives run by the Foundation, including a dementia and Parkinson’s-friendly Moments Cafe; a SSAFA coffee morning supporting all serving, ex-serving and family of the UK Armed Forces; a weekly food pantry; and cafe which is open before every Bradford City AFC home league game.

The City Hub is located opposite the Bradford City AFC club shop, and members of the public are invited to come in and view the exhibition during its opening times.

Bradford City opens exhibition to spotlight artwork of young people

Bradford City opens exhibition to spotlight artwork of young people