Weaving Community Connections: The Impact of Art in Bradford's Everything is Connected Exhibition

During autumn 2025, a unique opportunity arose to engage with the community of Bradford through the Everything is Connected exhibition. This project went beyond simply displaying artwork; it became a platform for connection, conversation, and creativity. Through workshops, events, and personal interactions, the exhibition invited people from all walks of life to explore art in ways that felt accessible and meaningful. The experience was enriched by collaboration with writer in residence Becky Cherriman, with whom activity booklets and postcards were created to extend the exhibition’s reach beyond the gallery walls.

This post explores how art can build community ties, focusing on two of the exhibition’s standout tapestries: Ben Rhydding Tapestry: Faith in a Fractured World and South Square Centre Tapestry: Five Thousand Threads. These works, co-created with local residents, reflect the challenges and hopes of the community, while honoring Bradford’s cultural heritage.

Bringing Art to Life Through Community Engagement

The Everything is Connected exhibition was designed to be more than a visual experience. It was a call to action for participation, inviting people to share their stories and perspectives. Workshops for children encouraged creativity and learning, while guided art tours helped visitors engage deeply with the themes presented. Special visits for refugees created a welcoming space where art became a bridge between cultures and experiences.

The collaboration with Becky Cherriman added a literary dimension, with activity booklets that guided children through the artworks and postcards that allowed visitors to take a piece of the exhibition home. These tools made the art approachable and personal, encouraging reflection and conversation beyond the gallery.

Ben Rhydding Tapestry: Faith in a Fractured World

This tapestry addresses the pressing global crises of our time: climate change, conflict, and ecological loss. It asks a profound question: where does faith stand when the world feels unstable? The design incorporates icons from the Methodist Modern Art Collection, reimagined alongside natural and protest motifs. The silhouette of a church rises amid imagery of storms and renewal, symbolising resilience and hope.

Co-created with members of the local community, the tapestry reflects a shared belief in the church as a sanctuary where challenges are met with prayer and determination. The use of digital illustration on marbled velvet adds texture and depth, inviting viewers to look closely and consider the layers of meaning.

This piece resonates deeply in Bradford, a city that has faced its own trials and transformations. It reminds us that faith, in its many forms, can provide strength and a sense of belonging even in uncertain times.

South Square Centre Tapestry: Five Thousand Threads

Inspired by Eularia Clarke’s depiction of The Five Thousand, this tapestry explores nourishment beyond the physical. It celebrates spiritual and communal sustenance through symbols of sacred rituals shared across different faiths. The design highlights gestures such as the cleansing of feet and the central role of eating and conversation in building community.

Made in tapestry form, this work honors Bradford’s rich textile history. It was created with input from local residents, whose reflections shaped the themes of worship, connection, and peace. The tapestry emphasizes how art itself can be a form of worship and how spaces like South Square Centre offer sanctuary and belonging.

The title Five Thousand Threads speaks to the many individual stories woven together to create a collective whole. It is a reminder that community is built through shared experiences and the simple acts of gathering and caring.

The Role of Art in Building Community

The Everything is Connected exhibition demonstrates how art can serve as a powerful tool for community building. By involving people directly in the creative process, the project fostered a sense of ownership and pride. The workshops and events created opportunities for dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding.

Art became a language that transcended differences, allowing people to express their hopes, fears, and identities. The collaborative nature of the tapestries showed how diverse voices can come together to create something meaningful and lasting.

Continuing the Conversation

The impact of the Everything is Connected exhibition extends beyond the months it was on display. The tapestries and accompanying materials continue to inspire reflection on faith, community, and resilience. By sharing these stories and artworks, the project invites others to consider how art can connect us all.

If you are interested in exploring similar projects or bringing community art to your area, consider how collaboration, accessibility, and respect for local culture can shape your approach. Art has the power to build bridges and create spaces where everyone feels included.

The work done in Bradford shows that when art is truly connected to the people it serves, it becomes a source of strength and hope.

Photography by Issie Holmes Photos

This project was made possible thanks to funding from The Gibbs Trust.