Two talented students from the University of Leeds have developed an interactive experience for visitors to an art exhibition based on the hit BBC TV series Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey.
Antara Malhotra and Yun Ci Liu – known as Poe – have, through the University’s partnership with Bradford 2025, created an activity that invites visitors to engage with the exhibition.
Participants can draw portraits of themselves, family members and friends as part of a display showcasing powerful and emotive portraits created by well-known artists depicting people with incredible personal stories.
These works will be layered with portraits from previous visitors, creating a vibrant and ever-evolving display.
Developed in partnership with the BBC and Chatterbox Media, the exhibition is at Loading Bay, Bradford 2025’s new pop-up arts venue, until 6 April.
Our partnership with Bradford 2025 underscores our desire for research and education at the University of Leeds to have a regional impact and our plans to strengthen our relationships with civic partners.
Antara and Poe, Masters students from the School of Fine Art, History of Art, and Cultural Studies, worked closely with Nicola Murray, Creative Director of Kynd, and the Bradford 2025 producing team at Loading Bay to create the hands-on art activity for visitors.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “We are delighted that our students are collaborating on the excellent Bradford 2025 cultural programme.
“Our partnership with Bradford 2025 underscores our desire for research and education at the University of Leeds to have a regional impact and our plans to strengthen our relationships with our civic partners.”
Antara said: “This project has been an incredible opportunity for us to contribute to a groundbreaking exhibition while learning from professionals in the field.
“The hands-on, collaborative nature of this activity not only strengthens visitors’ interaction with the art on display, but also encourages them to interpret their stories in imaginative ways while looking at their reflections in mirrors.
“It is a powerful exploration of identity and shared experiences.”
Poe added: “We’ve really enjoyed the creative process, and it’s been great to work alongside Nicola and the fabrication team to bring this interactive element to life. The exhibition reflects the diversity of modern Britain, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative that brings people together through art.”
Abby Dix-Mason, University of Leeds Partnership Development Manager, said: “Being part of the BBC’s Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey exhibition gives our students the chance to engage with a nationally significant project. The hands-on experience has allowed Antara and Poe to realise their creative designs and see how the activities have influenced visitors’ interactions with the exhibition.
Further information
About Bradford 2025: Bradford 2025 is a year-long celebration of the city's creative spirit and cultural heritage, showcasing world-class artists, community-driven projects, and the distinctive identity of one of the UK’s youngest and most diverse cities. As part of the Bradford 2025 cultural programme, the University of Leeds is proud to contribute to the city's artistic future through research, student opportunities, and collaborative initiatives with local and national partners.
About Loading Bay: Loading Bay is a new pop-up arts venue located in the heart of Bradford City Centre. This exciting cultural hub is part of Bradford 2025’s efforts to transform the city’s cultural landscape, providing space for exhibitions, performances, and creative events throughout the year.
For more information on Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey, visit https://bradford2025.co.uk/event/extraordinary-portraits/
Contact j.lewis3@leeds.ac.uk or pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk for further information.