Photographer Andy Walton-Vaines set himself the challenge of photographing the people of Bradford. Every day for the whole of 1999, a portrait was taken of the people of Bradford to record the population at the turn of the century and to mark the beginning of the new millennium. Taking at least one photo every day and covering every postcode of the district he wanted to try and capture a portrait of Bradford through the people that lived here.

Inspired by Andy’s original ‘Millennium People: Their City, Their Stories” exhibition and wanting to re-exhibit it during Bradford’s City of Culture year, Our Patch commissioned young photographer and filmmaker Keyhan Modaressi Chahardehi to recreate Andy’s process and envision a new portrait of the Bradford district.

Our Patch was a year-long arts programme across Bradford in 2025, inviting community groups and residents to design and take part in free workshops, activities and events in their local area. Led by local ‘Our Patch Producers’ alongside artists and makers, the project brought people together through creative experiences ranging from painting and poetry to dancing, cooking and gardening. Taking place in community halls, libraries, faith spaces and social hubs across Bradford East, Bradford South, Bradford West, Keighley & Ilkley and Shipley, Our Patch celebrated local culture while helping people learn skills, build confidence and make new connections. This is Our Patch.

Our Patch was funded by The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund. We extend our thanks to all players of the National Lottery.