THREE creatives from the Bradford District will be taken on as ‘Artists in Residence’ at Bradford City Hall in a project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The three artists, who start next week, will each bringing unique specialisms to the project and will be working on the assignment which is part of a wider programme of support to explore and grow the way people open up and tell the many and varied stories of the Bradford district through alternative voices, as an outcome of the district’s new 10 year Cultural Strategy, ‘Culture is Our Plan’.

The three artists are Shiraaz Ali, a visual artist, architect and designer; Harry Jelley a poet and writer and Rosie Freeman from Bradford based art collective Brick Box.

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The artists will explore the past and heritage of the building and also conjure up a new future by engaging the public in their work.

Bradford City Hall is a Grade I listed 19th century building in the heart of Bradford city centre. It was built in 1873 in the Venetian Gothic style, with its bell tower inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

Alongside usual Council business the building is also a popular destination for filming thanks to an outstanding array of beautifully preserved features including its Victorian court room, impressive council chambers, Lord Mayor’s rooms, entrance hall and stair case, as well as its stunning banqueting hall.

Part of the 1873 building is also home to the Bradford Police Museum.

Shiraaz Ali, said: “City Hall is not only an architectural masterpiece it’s also a vital component of the district’s rich heritage and culture. It is an honour and a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Rosie and Harry on this residency, bringing together the district’s many, one of a kind communities and establish a fun, sustainable and meaningful relationship with its people and its urban fabric."

Harry Jelley, said: "I'm looking forward to delving into the stories held within its archives and exploring the connections the district’s people feel towards this historic building, where we continue to imagine what's next for the Bradford district. For me what is most exciting is collaborating with Rosie and Shiraaz, and the many directions we could go in."

Rosie Freeman, said” I'm particularly interested in exploring the visible and hidden environmental stories that City Hall can tell. For me, the building exemplifies the ambition and complexities of the Victorian industrial revolution, which involved unprecedented levels of environmental extraction and rapid urbanisation.”