A WINTER arts exhibition, which will feature large light installations at key sites in the District, is being planned for Bradford.

The Covid 19 pandemic is likely to lead to most Christmas events in Bradford being cancelled or drastically changed this year.

But Bradford Council has announced that will be at least one arts event to mark the season.

Starting in December and running through to March, LIT will see light installations shine from installations across the district, from front gardens to shopping centres to the rooftops of Bradford's iconic mills.

The Council says the exhibition will include around half a dozen large-scale light artworks and installations from creatives, and around 26 smaller-scale exhibits.

The arts installations will be in addition to the Christmas and Diwali lights that adorn the city centre during the religious festivals.

Bradford Council is working with numerous partners to fund the light project.

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These include Bradford BID, Ilkley BID, Keighley BID, Bradford 2025, Bradford Producing Hub, The LEAP Bradford and Shipley and Bingley Town Councils.

Grants of between £10,000 and £15,000 are available for artists and creatives to produce large works.

Creatives and community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to £1,500 for the smaller creations in their locality.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “Art and culture has an important role to play in the health and wellbeing of us all across Bradford district.

“We are in complex times with many restrictions in place due to the pandemic but this does not mean we can’t have moments of surprise, joy and pride in Bradford.

“Knowing how much residents appreciate public art, we’re looking forward to seeing the eye-catching proposals that come forward from our arts community to brighten up the district this winter.

“We all enjoy the annual Diwali and Christmas lights, which we will put up again this year, but this initiative is in addition to our celebration of religious festivals.”

Director of The LEAP, Bradford, Zulfiqar Ahmed, said: “Community-led culture is vital to our cities economic and social progress. I am excited to see the imaginative ideas that will come forward from local people to light up the places they live and work in.”

A spokesperson from Bradford Producing Hub, a four-year project that aims to make sure Bradford is a creative city, said: “We’re delighted to support the programme of commissions being offered through LIT by bringing our expertise and support in delivering incredible outdoor arts for Bradford’s audiences.”

The LIT project follows the council’s RESPONSE grant programme which launched in April, shortly after lockdown began, and enabled more than 50 arts projects to happen across the district despite huge restrictions on public gatherings.

Details of submission requirements and how to apply for the grants can be found on Bradford Council’s website (https://www.bradford.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/funding/lit-light-programme-grants/).

The deadline for applications is October 30.