Opening Night : Fri 1st November | 5pm – 8pm | South Square
Running : 1st Nov – 20th Dec 2024

Stitching Connections

Claire Wellesley-Smith is an artist, researcher and curator based in Bradford. The
ability of textile to transform and connect over time inform her studio, community,
and research practices.

Stitching Connections shows textile work from her studio and community-based
practice over the last 15 years. Projects with Bradford based organisations exploring
the heritage of textile dyes and recycling, creative health and the isolation of
lockdown, speak to a commitment to engaging with subject, communities, and
processes over many years. The pieced and stitched work from collaborative
projects demonstrate the universal language of textiles and commonalities of
experience. Claire’s reflective, durational stitch work is informed by listening to and
being part of conversations through making around the tabletops of Bradford’s many
community spaces of care.

‘In work after work, stitch after stitch, Claire has made her practice – and textiles –
accountable. ‘Fieldwork’ is the term used. Whatever is written in her book, whether is
stitched or dyed, has been lived out: carried around in her community scrap bag; left
in the backyard to be weathered by the elements before being invested with the care
of repair; grown on her allotment, found on an urban walk or experienced in the daily
act of spending time with needle, thread and cloth.’ June Hill

🎄✨ Get Ready to Celebrate the Holidays with a Classic Movie – Elf ! ✨🎄

📅 Date: Fri 6th December 🕖 Time: 5pm – 8pm 📍 Location: South Square Centre

Click here to book your FREE ticket now

This Christmas season, immerse yourself in holiday magic like never before at South Square Centre’s screening of the beloved festive film, Elf! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, joy, and pure Christmas cheer.

Plenty at the Square are putting on some grub to enjoy whilst you watch Elf – Enjoy some delicious pizza or wedges or both! Order at check out 🍕

And that’s not all! Our fun-filled tuck shop will be brimming with irresistible goodies to satisfy your cravings. 🍿🎟️

This event is FREE but you’re welcome to make a donation/pay as you feel on the night – thank you 😊

Please note the movie screening will be taking place in the community room. Please let us know of any access requirements.

Stitching Connections Workshop

Saturday 7th December | 11 am – 4pm | £20

Click here to book

Claire Wellesley-Smith is an incredible textile artist with an amazing collection of work from her projects with communities and personal works of art. Claire is exhibiting her work at South Square from 1st Nov 24 – 5th January 25.

As part of this exhibition Claire will be holding a stitching workshop!

Take part in a one day hand stitch workshop in the gallery space with Claire to begin a piece of stitched work that will be displayed at South Square.

You will explore connections between community, text, and textiles inspired by the current exhibition work displayed and produce a stitched word that will be gathered together with those of other participants.

All materials and equipment will be supplied. This workshop is open to all, though some experience of hand stitching would be helpful.

Wednesday 11th December | 1pm – 3pm | South Square

Click here to book your free space and more info

South Square Artist Show & Crit, in collaboration with Bradford Producing Hub

Our FREE Artist Show & Crit is open for any visual artist, at any stage of their career to attend. You will need to bring a piece of your artwork, either finished or a work in progress, that you would like to receive feedback on from a group of your artistic peers.

The session will be hosted by experienced artist facilitator who will create an equitable and constructive space for sharing.

We ask you to be constructive and thoughtful in your feedback to other artists. Be helpful and honest with your comments; focusing on progress and improvement is the ultimate goal of the Aritst Show and Crit.

Not to worry if you can’t make this session. There will be an additional session taking place on the following date:

Wednesday 12th February 1pm – 3pm

See you then!

Rudolph The Reindeer Motanka Doll Workshop for Kids

Dec 14th | 1:30 – | FREE

Click here to book 

Join us to make cute Rudolph Reindeers!

The author’s toy, depicting a traditional Christmas character, is made using the ancient East Slavic technique of the ‘motanka’ doll.

Experience the fun and magic of turning a ball of yarn into a cheerful helper of Father Christmas at a workshop led by a Ukrainian craftswoman.

“Motanka” dolls – toys made out of yarn and fabric. The oldest folk toys, symbolising women’s wisdom and serving as family amulets, crafted from pieces of wool and fabric.

For all skill levels

All materials are provided