AN ARTIST from Cleckheaton has linked up with a cafe in West Bowling in a bid to inspire a passion for art in deprived parts of Bradford.

Peter Robson has set up an exhibition at the Park Lane Centre and now wants to tap into undiscovered talent and take art away from the elitist image he believes it has.

As a result, he has teamed up with Kursh Siddique, who owns Cafe Papa in the centre, to exhibit his work and inspire artists in the area.

He has eight paintings in the cafe. They include depictions of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the September 11 attacks in New York, and the Troubles in Ireland.

"For me, it was about getting these paintings in an area like this," said Mr Robson, who describes himself as a surreal artist. "It is really underdeveloped with art. You do not see a lot of art outside of Bradford city centre - it is not usually accessible.

"We wanted to get art out of the city centre and into areas of high levels of deprivation. This sort of area does not often see this sort of work.

We want to increase the profile in Bradford with disadvantaged communities. Art has become elitist, not everyone can access it.

"It is about encouraging young talent in the area as well. I know this area very well - this area is not blessed with opportunities in art. I am hoping it could become some sort of art hub.

"There is a massive group of people here who do not get access to community art. We want to tap into communities and get their ideas."

The partnership between artist and cafe owner started after Mr Robson went for something to eat at the centre.

Mr Siddique, who took over the cafe about five months ago, said: "I wanted to do something to cover the walls. I wanted to use a local artist and liven up our walls.

"Peter came in out of the blue, ordered some food and was sat down eating. He introduced himself and we found out he was an artist. It was as if he was sent by divine intervention.

"It developed from there and we took him on board and he has an exhibition here now."

He added: "We are now looking at steadily increasing it and bringing in other local artist and letting them display their work."

Mr Robson said: "It would be good to expand it here - there is space. One of the hardest things for an artist is exhibiting your work."

Mr Siddique added: "It is amazing how many people have got up to have a look. I am not doing it for money, I am doing it to promote art. The benefit for me is my walls are covered by beautiful art.

"All artists are welcome to come down, it would be brilliant to get a gallery going."

On his work, Mr Robson said: "My paintings are not comfortable, but they are honest. They are quite in your face but not disrespectful.

"I can paint sheep and cows and fields. But that is not what I want to do. I want to prod people a little and make them think.

"We have had a positive reaction to the work. We have not had anyone say they are not happy or that they are offended."

For more details about displaying your work at the cafe, pop in and speak to Kursh. Artwork will be displayed free of charge.