The artwork by students from Carlton Bolling School will be displayed at Bradford Cathedral from Monday 10th February until Tuesday 4th March 2025
Beacon of Hope – an exhibition of artwork created by students from Carlton Bolling School, Bradford – will be displayed at Bradford Cathedral from Monday 10th February until Tuesday 4th March 2025.
This exhibition will present the creative voices of students from Carlton Bolling School – many of who are from Muslim backgrounds – and is included as part of the ‘Creativity Under Pressure’ series of events held at Bradford Cathedral in the first four months of the UK City of Culture year.
Over fifty pieces will be displayed around the ambulatories of the Cathedral, and will include paintings, textiles, photography, and digital prints, as well as newspaper articles exploring their work in the media.
The art the students have created invites you to see them as they see themselves, offering a glimpse into aspects of resilience, strength, and hope, ideas which are a testament to their experiences and aspirations as they navigate their respective paths toward creative futures.
This exhibition will see many of them sharing their work with the public for the first time.
Visitors can see ‘Beacon of Hope’ during the usual visitor opening hours of Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. There will also be a short opening event on Monday 10th February at 3:45pm, and a presentation evening, where the artists will be at the Cathedral, on Wednesday 26th February at 2:45pm. This presentation evening will include selected pieces from the Carlton Bolling school choir as well as some inspirational speeches from both students and staff.
Thomas Last, Lead Teacher of Creative Studies at Carlton Bolling, says:
“As part of Bradford City of Culture, and in association with Arts Council England Arts Mark, Bradford Cathedral and Carlton Bolling School are excited to invite you to experience their exhibition: A Beacon of Hope.
“The exhibition aims to tell the story of the incredible journey of Carlton Bolling and its students and staff through the theme of Adversity: Creativity Under Pressure.
“There will also be an action-packed presentation evening on Wednesday 26th February where you will be able to experience the stories of our students and staff first hand.
“Come and join us and experience some inspirational work from Carlton Bolling students, past and present.”
The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts at Bradford Cathedral, says:
“Growing up in a world of uncertainty and pressure, young people navigate many challenges, and creativity offers them a way to express, reflect, and make sense of their experiences.
“For many of these young artists, Beacon of Hope marks the start of their creative journey – an opportunity to share their work publicly for the first time. Bradford Cathedral is delighted to provide a space where they can share their perspectives, inviting us to see the world through their eyes.
“This exhibition is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and fresh artistic voices, and we hope visitors will enjoy and support these students as they take their first steps into the wider creative landscape.
“Beacon of Hope is part of our Creativity Under Pressure season, which explores how art, music, and culture emerge in response to challenge, revealing new possibilities and hidden strengths.”
Beacon of Hope runs from Monday 10th February until Tuesday 4th March 2025, and the artwork is available to view during the usual opening hours of Bradford Cathedral, typically Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. All are welcome to attend a short opening event on Monday 10th February 2025 at 3:45pm and a presentation evening on Wednesday 26th February 2025 at 2:45pm. More information – and a complete list of the artworks on display – are available at https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/event/beacon-of-hope-exhibition/
ENDS