AN ARTS centre in Thornton will celebrate one of the village's most famous figures by holding an exhibition dedicated to women in the arts later this week.

Next month, Thornton is celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte, the oldest of the literary Bronte sisters, who were all born in the village.

To mark the occasion, and in recognition of how the sisters paved the way for women in the arts, all of South Square Centre’s exhibitors from April to the end of May will be women. And during the exhibition, called I'm No Bird, visitors will be asked to nominate who they feel is the most influential woman in Bradford's history.

There will also be a range of artworks, events and activities in response to the celebrations, starting with a launch event on Friday.

Although Haworth is considered to be the home of the Brontes, the Jane Eyre author and her sisters were born in a house on Market Street, Thornton, now a coffee bar and bistro called Emily's. Charlotte was born on April 21, 1816, and next month's anniversary will mark the first of the three bicentenaries marking the births of Charlotte, Emily and Anne.

South Square has commissioned Yorkshire Film Archive to create a short film, weaving together images of women recorded on film over the decades of the twentieth century, engaging in a variety of activities from politics, engineering, education and sports.

The film will be accompanied by a soundtrack by Todmorden-based musician Magpahi, aka Alison Cooper.

Yvonne Carmichael, Artistic Programmer for the gallery, said: "We are really excited to be working with Yorkshire Film Archive as well as numerous female local musicians, artists and DJs to celebrate the bicentenary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth.

"It is funny how it often gets forgotten that the sisters were born here. I don't know if it's because we don't shout out about it. It's great that with this anniversary there are now some key people talking about Thornton.

"We've taken this upcoming anniversary as inspiration to have this exhibition and to have a great party."

Visitors will be asked to nominate their pick of a Bradford born or based pioneering woman from the time of the Brontë’s to the present day.

The launch event takes place between 7-9pm on Friday and will be followed by an after party at The New Inn featuring DJ sets by Lucy Barker and Kirsty Taylor. Everyone is invited to bring along their own five-song DJ-sets showcasing their favourite female musicians on mp3 players to add to the nights soundtrack. Staff from Emily's, the bistro based in the Bronte's former, will be providing food

Limited edition risographed posters of the event by artist Anna Peaker will also be available.

The exhibition, which features work by artists such as Jane Fairhurst, June Russell and Patricia Calver, runs from April 2 - May 29 with the gallery open Tuesday - Saturday between noon and 3pm.