We're thrilled to be supporting the Bradford Art Show and inviting artists to submit work under the theme of Our Place.
Submissions are now open for a landmark exhibition that shines a light on the creativity, people and places in Bradford.
The Bradford Art Show is an open-submission visual arts exhibition that will showcase Bradford’s homegrown talent at a time at when the world’s visual arts community looks to Bradford, as it hosts the Turner Prize 2025. Bradford artists and residents aged 18 and over are invited to submit work that responds to the theme OUR PLACE by Thursday 30 September, for the opportunity to be part of this bold, daring and authentically Bradford exhibition.
Selected work will be displayed at Loading Bay, a vibrant new pop-up arts space in Bradford city centre, from 6–21 December 2025. The exhibition will be curated by independent curator and researcher, Dr Kerry Harker.
“I’m so excited to be curating this special art show during such an important year for Bradford. This is a fantastic opportunity for artists - or anyone with a creative passion - to be part of a dynamic exhibition of artwork that recognises the experiences and creative voices of people right across our district. Through the Bradford Art Show, we want to show an authentic, bold vision of Bradford as it takes centre stage during the national spotlight of the Turner Prize. Submit your work and help us to show the breadth of creative talent we have right here in the city - and make your mark during this exciting cultural moment.”
The Bradford Art Show forms a key strand of the OUR TURN festival, a first of its kind visual arts festival designed to develop and celebrate Bradford’s thriving visual arts scene.
Taking place 17 September – 28 January, OUR TURN is designed and led by artists and delivered by South Square Centre, in collaboration with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Yorkshire Contemporary and Bradford Producing Hub. The festival is supported by Arts Council England, Yorkshire Visual Arts Network and commissioned by Bradford 2025.
Submission details
Theme: OUR PLACE – you can interpret this in any way you wish
Eligibility: Bradford artists and residents aged 18+. You do not have to be a professional artist to apply
Artwork: Work can be submitted in any visual arts medium. We will accept new work as well as work made in the last five years.
Deadline: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Exhibition: 6–21 December 2025, Loading Bay, Duke Street, BD1 3QR
“Through OUR TURN, we want to shine a spotlight on local visual artists and creatives regardless of career stage. Bradford Art Show does just this in that it is truly open to all. Whether you're an emerging maker or a seasoned creator, we’d love to see how your practice will excite, inspire and reflect the rich diversity of creative life across Bradford in this exciting open exhibition. The theme of Bradford Art Show, OUR PLACE, is open to interpretation, and we’re really looking forward to seeing how submissions connect to this in an imaginative and playful way. Show us your creative passions, Bradford, and don’t forget to get your submissions in ahead of the deadline on 30 September!”
