Residents of Bradford are seizing the opportunity to illuminate their communities, employing mobile phones to capture the stories that often go unheard.
Amidst Bradford’s wealth of stories, the initiative seeks to empower local voices, allowing them to narrate their experiences through a new photography exhibition.
Launching on November 6, ‘A City in Frames: Bradford’ will take place at Darley Street Market, showcasing images and narratives emerging from free mobile photography workshops, guided walks, and creative storytelling activities.
This unique exhibition will remain open until November 20 and aims to celebrate the city’s diverse neighborhoods, cultural heritage, and the everyday lives of its residents.
The Different Faces of Bradford
Every photograph within the exhibition conveys a distinct narrative—a well-known street, a special location, or an ordinary moment that captures a larger message.
This initiative uniquely positions community members as the storytellers, departing from the conventional approach dominated by professional photographers.
Organized by Odyssey Media House CIC with funding from Arts Council England, the exhibition’s central theme, “Every Street Holds a Memory. Every City Has a Story,” reflects its focus on local voices.
Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, founder and executive director of Odyssey Media House CIC, emphasized the project’s core mission: “This exhibition encourages individuals to express their narratives and view their communities from a new perspective.”
“Every image captured signifies a viewpoint, a recollection, or an experience worthy of acknowledgment. We aspire for this exhibition to inspire further creative exploration and appreciation of the beauty within everyday Bradford.”
Fostering Community Through Creativity
This project transcends mere photography, delving into the profound connections that creativity fosters among community members.
Collaborating with Move Right Bradford, an initiative by OAK Initiative UK CIC, the exhibition is part of a 12-month health and wellbeing program that links artistic expression with community engagement and mental health wellness.
Exhibition coordinators Tobi Olorunmakomi and Mojola Oni shared their vision: “We aim for visitors to engage with the stories behind each image, celebrating Bradford’s creative spirit, identity, and community diversity.”
The opening event will feature participant narratives, expert discussions, and the debut of a short documentary chronicling the project’s evolution.
Though Bradford serves as the inaugural city, organizers aspire for this exhibition to be the starting point for a broader photographic journey exploring other cities across the UK.
For now, the focus is on Bradford, presented through the lens of its own citizens rather than external viewpoints.
‘A City in Frames: Bradford’ will be on display from November 6 to 20, 2026, at Darley Street Market, Bradford.
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