CHANNEL 4 is asking Bradford people to share what is extraordinary in their everyday lives, with the aim of creating a new artwork celebrating the district.

The channel has commissioned acclaimed artist Martin Firrell for a project called Out of the Ordinary (in Bradford and Leeds), featuring the stories of people who live or work in Bradford and Leeds, the new home of Channel 4’s national headquarters.

Martin, whose speciality is showing art in public places, is asking people who live or work here to help create the artwork and share submissions outlining what makes them and their lives "unique and extraordinary".

Sinead Rocks, managing director of Nations and Regions at Channel 4 said: “Martin is a huge talent and will do a wonderful job of showcasing the vibrance and diversity of this part of Yorkshire.

“Here at Channel 4 we celebrate difference and creativity, and we are not afraid to take risks as well as to champion unheard voices. Our approach fits perfectly with Martin’s work, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he creates.”

“Our gorgeous office in Leeds is our biggest base outside London and will act as launch pad for a whole programme of activity right across the North. This project with Martin is just the start.”

Channel 4 will be using its Leeds HQ to provide career, training and development opportunities across the North for people interested in working in TV. It has also committed to significantly increasing its commissioning budget spent in the Nations and Regions, with a target of 50per cent by 2023 as part of its ‘4 All The UK’ strategy.

Martin will record a series of short clips which he will build into a final mosaic of films for Out of the Ordinary (in Bradford and Leeds), paying tribute to the cities that have welcomed the broadcaster to Yorkshire.

“I am fascinated by people’s stories, and just about everyone has something remarkable about them if they just take the time to think about it,” said Martin, believes that art has a proper place is at the centre of everyday life. He uses digital billboards, cinema screens, newspapers, and video interviews in his work.

Martin will choose his favourite clips from the submissions and work them into a final filmed piece of art.

* Contributors must be over 18 and either live or work in Bradford or Leeds. To be considered for the final artwork, describe in one sentence what is out of the ordinary about your daily life and if possible, send in a picture too.

The deadline for contributions is April 15. For full details go to martin.firrell.com

Martin will select the most ‘out of the ordinary’ contributions to create the artwork, which will be shown later in the year.