Sowing Connections celebrates creativity, heritage and connection in Bradford
A brand-new community exhibition has opened at South Square celebrating the skills, stories and vibrant connections weaved by local communities.
The Sowing Connections exhibition showcases the creative work of the Rasi // Twine Women’s ESOL Group. Open until 29 March, the exhibition brings together textiles, painting and photography to explore themes of heritage, identity and migration in the South Asian community.
The ESOL group meet weekly to build confidence, connection and creative community. The exhibition is a culmination of a year’s collaborative work, developed in close partnership with artists Claire Wellesley-Smith and Razwan Ul-Haq.
Artist, Claire Wellesley-Smith, said:
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with the ESOL Women’s Group over the past year and see their confidence grow and their creativity flourish. Together, we’ve explored painting, clay, embroidery and more. It’s been so lovely to see the group rekindle traditions once set aside after moving to England, while also discovering new creative pursuits.
As a textile artist, it’s been particularly special for me to see how the women have used textiles as a way to reconnect – with their heritage, with each other and with themselves. Textiles have always been a way of holding memory and meaning and every thread in the exhibition carries a story. Together they form something deeply moving.”
Rasi // Twine is one of a series of outreach initiatives led by South Square and forms part of a wider community engagement project with Bradford Arts Centre. The Sowing Connections exhibition was made possible thanks to partners Lower Grange Community Centre and Bradford Arts Centre, with funding from the DCMS Cultural Development Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Arts and Heritage Officer, Gemma Bailey, said:
“I’m so proud that through the Rasi // Twine project, we’ve been able to create a safe and supportive space where South Asian women’s stories are seen and valued. Watching this group support one another and create such a powerful body of work has been incredibly special.
Sowing Connections is both a celebration of skill and a testament to the vibrant relationships woven through the group’s shared experiences. We really hope that as many people as possible will visit, explore and enjoy this exhibition.”
Sowing Connections is free to view during gallery opening hours until 29 March 2026.
You can also join us for a Curator’s Tour on Saturday 14 March, 1.00pm – 2.00pm, where you’ll learn more about the exhibition and its collaborative journey.