Yesterday, over 400 pupils from schools within the BDAT family hosted a vibrant art gallery exhibition to display their artistic creations in celebration of the Trust’s tenth anniversary.
Pupils ranging from ages two to 18 across BDAT academies collaborated in groups and created artwork inspired by themes of diversity and inclusion, which are a central part of the Trust’s ethos. The initiative was designed to be an enriching experience for pupils as they considered what these themes meant to them and their peers.
Pupils’ brought their works of art to life on numerous different mediums, including paintings on paper and canvases, as well as drawings, sculptures and more, including:
The gallery exhibition was organised by Chris Tolson, Headteacher at The Academy at St James, with the help of local artist, Emma-Jo Bairstow, at Victoria Hall in Shipley. The event was attended by Hundreds of pupils, parents and carers, local community members and dignitaries including members of our BDAT Trust board and members of the public.
Pupils across the Trust were excited to let their creative imaginations shine and display their work for attendees to admire. The programme inspired a positive and uplifting buzz across the schools as pupils engaged in planning and designing their artworks and honing their creative skillsets.
All enjoyed the special event and came away inspired by the pupils’ work. The programme also provided an excellent opportunity to foster cross-school and cross-year group collaboration in the city and showcase the exceptional talent of Bradford’s young people.
This event concluded a year of our 10th birthday celebrations! Other celebrations have included a cake decorating competition, time capsule burials, pupil voice events and a commemorative video.
Chris Tolson, Headteacher at The Academy at St James, said:
“It was a pleasure to see so many bright and creative pupils across BDAT taking part in this special event and displaying their wonderful artwork. Organising the gallery exhibition was a great way to inspire all these young minds to think creatively and consider what diversity and inclusion means to them, their family and their community.
“Thanks very much to Emma and all our school and volunteers for helping to organise, and to our community for coming out to support us.”
Carol Dewhurst, Our Chief Executive:
“I am delighted and proud of all the hard work our pupils put in to create their magnificent artwork. Their takes on our themes, diversity and inclusion, were inspiring and illuminating. It is always a privilege to see the thoughts, ideas and creations inside young peoples’ minds realised through art.
“At BDAT, we encourage all pupils to express themselves and bring light to the issues that matter most to them, in this case, diversity and inclusion. I want to thank all of our talented participants for sharing their art with us and displaying their brilliant creativity, as well as all our supportive parents, carers, community members and dignitaries who attended.”