Bradford City Hall heritage is celebrated

For the last five months three creatives from the district have been learning about the history and heritage of City Hall with a view to creating an artistic way of expressing their findings.

The three artists are Shiraaz Ali, an architect and designer; Harry Jelley, poet and writer and Rosie Freeman from the art collective The Brick Box.

After immersing themselves in the Grade I-listed building for weeks, in the last week, the three artists have come together to deliver their interpretations simultaneously.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, with Shiraaz Ali

Harry Jelley worked with vegan chef Sonia Sandhu to create a multisensory experience of City Hall and its heritage. Eating City Hall explored the heritage of Bradford City Hall as a site of celebration and banqueting through food and poetry.

Guests were also treated to a sound piece produced by Rosie Freeman. 'Hearth', an original sound piece, used field recordings, interviews and mythic tropes to explore the building.

This was topped off with a display of colour and beauty with a piece designed to connect Centenary Square and City Hall with the community they serve, designed by Shiraaz Ali. His mosaic paving artwork celebrates the diverse cultures that are the backbone of the city.

It will be on display outside City Hall in the coming weeks.