• Main Gallery
• Friday 13th November 2026, 1pm – 2pm

What does it actually take to curate an ambitious, immersive exhibition?

Join South Square’s Programme and Gallery Manager, Domino Panton-Oakley, for a special curator’s talk exploring the ideas, decisions, processes and challenges behind Vespertine Garden.

Rather than simply taking you around the finished installation, Domino will take you behind the scenes, sharing the story of how the project developed from its earliest ideas into one of South Square’s biggest exhibition projects during her time at the centre.

Hear about the thinking behind the project, the creative workshops, working with artists and young people, and the many practical and creative decisions involved in bringing an ambitious installation to life. Domino will also share some of the challenges encountered along the way, and the unexpected moments that helped shape the final exhibition.

Developed with children and young people in Bradford, Vespertine Garden explores the hidden worlds of nocturnal urban wildlife. Through workshops led by Bradford-based artists Amy and Emma-Jo Bairstow, participants explored biodiversity, environmental challenges and ways of supporting wildlife in their own communities.

This talk is about what happens behind the exhibition — the conversations, collaboration, experimentation, problem-solving and curatorial choices that audiences don’t usually get to see.

Come and hear directly from the curator about the journey behind Vespertine Garden, gain an insight into the realities of developing an ambitious community-led exhibition, and discover the stories that sit behind the finished work.

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET HERE

Opening night

The exhibition will launch on Friday 6 November, and everyone is welcome to join us for opening night. To make sure everyone can enjoy the installation comfortably, we have timed slots available to book. This is for entry into the main gallery and exhibition space, but we have plenty of other communal spaces, cafe and bar that will be open outside of your slotted time.

BOOK YOUR SLOT HERE.

You’ll then have plenty of time to explore Vespertine Garden, with the final viewing date on Sunday 28 February 2027.

We are also running a Family Craft Drop-In Workshop in the October half term. This free event is a great way for kids to take some time to play and make, and for their creations to be exhibited in the main gallery. Everything made in the workshop will be on display in the exhibition, so make sure to come back to the gallery to find your creations in the magical garden!

Travelling to South Square: The centre can be accessed via public transport from Bradford City Centre via the 607 bus route. There is on street parking available on Thornton Road and Kipping Lane.

This project was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre.

ACCESS

• The walkway through the gallery installation will be wide enough for a pram/wheelchair.
• Seating will be available in the entrance of the gallery, or in the Community Room (upstairs)
• Noise cancelling headphones will be available on request
• The interpretation will be in large print, and audio recorded, which can be listened to via a QR code
• You can find more about access to the building via our Visit Us page