Until 31 Dec 2025

Augmenting Bradford’s DNA

Razwan Ul-Haq

Homegrown artworks, made using calligraphy and community participation.

Event Details
Date Until 31 Dec 2025
Location Various locations

Three new homegrown artworks, made through the unique process of calligraphy and community participation.

About this project

Through this multi-disciplinary, district-wide project, calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq brings Bradford’s environment to life. Since 2024, with help from Bradford residents, Razwan has been extracting ink from our city’s resources – bricks from Bradford’s iconic architecture, soil from Bradford City Football Club, rocks and stones from the rivers of Bradford, and even certain plants.

You can head to Razwan’s YouTube channel to learn more about the creation of these artworks.

During this project Razwan developed a theory (the RUH theory) on how we can retain human art and craft in a fast developing world. You can find out about this at: Introducing the RUH Theory

Exhibitions

You can experience the works at the following places & events:

  • City Library
  • Keighley Library
  • Manningham Library
  • The original pigments will be coming to City Library soon.
  • The original calligraphy art and pigments can be viewed at the Craft Room at the Bradford Industrial Museum

View the art and pigments and experience the Augmented Reality on 2nd August 1pm to 2:30 at Heritage Craft Space, Bradford Industrial Museum – to book, email Alison Brophy (Bradford Cultural Voice Forum) at [email protected]

On Sunday 14 September, you can view the artwork and talk with the Calligrapher at Caroline Street Social Club from midday to 5pm. Free entry.

Exhibition access is subject to the opening times of each venue.

Artist-Led Project Awards

This project is supported by the Bradford 2025 Artist-led Project Awards programme.

Find out more about this programme and the projects we’ve supported below.

Credits
The artist would like to thank: Fabric Lenny, Bradford Library Service, Kala Sangam, ETC Garage, Theatre in the Mill – University of Bradford, Friends of Bradford’s Becks, Bradford Football Club, Kirran Shah, Zulfi Kareem - Bradford Curry Festival, South Square Centre, Manningham Housing Association and Dipak Mistry.

Funded by Bradford 2025 and the Arts Council.

Related Events

FREE

Here We Stand

Explore peace, conflict and identity in this new exhibition.

FREE Community Award

Woven Lives at Bradford Cathedral

Bradford Cathedral

Stunning glass artwork in the city's gorgeous Cathedral setting.

Two people looking up at a circular projection of blue and pink waves
FREE

ReelBFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories

Experience the creativity of Bradford’s young digital artists in a new exhibition.

A piece of reindeer metatarsal engraved with a reindeer
FREE

Ice Age Art Now

British Museum

Travel back in time at this British Museum Partnership Exhibition.

FREE

OUR TURN: Practice Bradford

A group exhibition showcasing new work by four of Bradford’s most exciting emerging artists

FREE Part of Heritage Open Days

Naturally Dyed: A Student Showcase

The Museum at Hanson

A lively exhibition of work by Hanson Academy textile students.

FREE

Resources for Democracy: A People’s History of Bradford Resource Centre

Step into the story of Bradford Resource Centre, over four decades of activism, creativity, and community power!

FREE

Turner Prize

We’re teaming up with Tate to bring the Turner Prize to Bradford - tickets available now.