Artwork created by children inspired by those serving in the forces and war veterans will take centre stage at a city centre event tomorrow.

The Inspired Neighbourhoods Community Interest Company (INCIC) will welcome dignitaries, including the Vice-Lord Lieutenant Tim Hare, and lay a wreath at the war memorial outside the Alhambra Theatre before inviting people to see the Inspired and Proud Project exhibition at the Pavilion in City Park.

INCIC ran the Inspired and Proud Project (IPP) to challenge negative myths and showcase positive work done by British Armed Forces during wars and in peacetimes, leading to a change in the perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards the Forces.

IPP worked with young people, Armed Forces personnel, cadets, schools, veterans and their families for a year, which culminated in the creation of the exhibition in the World War One centenary year.

Chairman of the INCIC Jeanette Sunderland, who will open tomorrow morning’s event, said: “As time moves on it’s quite difficult to find a language to talk to young people about war and we shouldn’t forget what happened, but we need to find a language to talk to young people about why we’re having the 100th year anniversary.

“The project was to do that and to get people to think about the role of the Armed Forces.”

Art and discussion workshops were held with youngsters across the district where they could share their perceptions and behaviours towards the Armed Forces.

The work is now on display in The Pavilion in City Park, along with photographs of soldiers in various wars including the First and Second World Wars.

This project is funded by the Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant, with support from Bradford Council, the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) and National Media Museum, with support from the British Legion.

Tomorrow’s event starts at 11am at the war memorial. Today Councillor Sunderland and Bradford East MP David Ward will have a private viewing of the exhibition with Lord Wallace of Saltaire.

  • The exhibition is open until March 14 between 11am and 5pm.