Instagram story viewer> @southsquarecentre> Posts

South Square Centre

@southsquarecentre

4.5K

followers

2238

following

Grade II listed Arts, Heritage & Community centre
Artist studios • Archive • @plentyatthesq • Bar• Exhibitions •Events •Workshops
📍Thornton, Bradford

POSTS STORIES REELS

🌙 Vespertine Garden: Join us for opening night 🌙

We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring our next exhibition to the Main Gallery – and we can’t wait to welcome you in.

Coming to South Square from November 2026 to February 2027, Vespertine Garden is an ambitious, immersive installation exploring the hidden worlds of urban wildlife and the urgent need to protect the ecosystems we share.

Through light, sculpture and sound, our Main Gallery will be transformed into a glowing nocturnal landscape, inviting you to discover more about the creatures that emerge at dusk and the environments they depend on 🦇🌿✨

Vespertine Garden opens on Friday 6 November, and you’re invited to join us for a special opening night.

To make sure everyone can experience the installation comfortably, we’ll be running timed entry slots from 4 - 9pm. Please visit the link in our bio to book your spot.

There’ll be plenty more to see and do throughout the evening, with our other communal spaces open alongside our onsite café and bar.

Vespertine Garden has been funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Culture Company, and was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre.

A huge thank you to our artist team Amy and Emma Bairstow, Fran Bundey and Matt Radcliffe for all their work on the project so far.

We can’t wait to see it all come together – and to share it with you. 🌙

@artworksedu @lendme.your.ears @mattradphoto @aceagrams @bradfordcultureco @artworkssy @barnsleycivic

#SouthSquareCentre #Bradford #VespertineGarden #WhatsOnBradford #ImmersiveArt by @southsquarecentre

Testing, testing…

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been busy testing, tweaking and putting the finishing touches on our upcoming exhibition, Vespertine Garden.

From creating sculptural plants and creatures to developing a magical soundscape, so many people have been involved in bringing this beautiful, immersive garden world to life.

Here's a little peek at what we've been up to behind the scenes:

🎨 Images 1 & 2 – Children get creative at our Family Craft Drop-In

✂️ Image 3 – Artists Amy and Emma Bairstow cut colourful scenery to size

✏️ Image 4 – Our Programme and Gallery Manager, Domino Panton-Oakley, preps our exhibition activity book, co-created with young people

🎶 Image 5 – Sound artist Fran Bundey tests the specially commissioned soundscape in our gallery

🎥 Image 6 – Photographer and filmmaker Matt Radcliffe and our Marketing Manager, Janine Radcliffe, interview Amy and Emma for a special behind-the-scenes film

This week, we're installing the exhibition in our Main Gallery, and we can't wait to see everything come together! Don’t forget to book your free spot for opening night this Friday (6 November), 4 - 9pm. Link in bio

Outside your timed slot, you're welcome to explore everything else happening at South Square and enjoy refreshments from our onsite café, bar and pop-up drinks stand.

Following opening night, Vespertine Garden will be open for drop-in visits as usual, Tuesday to Sunday, until Sunday 28 February 2027. No booking required.

We hope to see you there!

Vespertine Garden has been funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Culture Company, and was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre.

A huge thank you to our artist team Amy and Emma Bairstow, Fran Bundey and Matt Radcliffe for all their work on the project so far.

@amy.bairstow.art @emma_jobairstow @artworksedu @lendme.your.ears @mattradphoto @aceagrams @bradfordcultureco @artworkssy @barnsleycivic

#VespertineGarden #SouthSquareCentre #BradfordArts #CommunityArts #ArtAndNature by @southsquarecentre

We’re so excited for our Vespertine Garden exhibition, an immersive, magical installation that explores the plants and animals that come out at dusk 🌙🦊🌱

This exhibition has been made with schoolchildren and community groups across Bradford using recycled materials. Alongside our UV-lit sculptures we will also have a sound piece to bring our nighttime garden world to life.

Launch night is on Friday 6 November, 4 - 6pm, and we’d love for you to join us. To make sure everyone can enjoy the installation comfortably we have free, timed slots available to book. You can find the link in our bio.

Outside your timed slot, you're welcome to explore everything else happening at South Square and enjoy refreshments from our onsite café, bar and pop-up drinks stand.

Following opening night, Vespertine Garden will be open for drop-in visits as usual, Tuesday to Sunday, until Sunday 28 February 2027. No booking required.

We hope to see you there! 💙

Vespertine Garden has been funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Culture Company, and was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre.

A huge thank you to our artist team Amy and Emma Bairstow, Fran Bundey and Matt Radcliffe for all their work on the project so far.

@artworksedu @lendme.your.ears @mattradphoto @aceagrams @bradfordcultureco @artworkssy @barnsleycivic

#VespertineGarden #SouthSquareCentre #BradfordArts #CommunityArts #ArtAndNature by @southsquarecentre

Looking for something to do this half term? Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 28 October) as we head to The Corn Dolly for a free, family-friendly afternoon of discovery, storytelling and creativity.

📍 The Corn Dolly, Bradford
📅 Wednesday 28 October | 12 -4pm
🎟️ Free – everyone welcome

Join artist Naseem Darbey and uncover the hidden history of Wild Boar Street and Bradford's lost Wapping district.

There's plenty to enjoy including a special guided walk around Wapping with Irene Lofthouse at 12pm. The walk lasts up to an hour and places are limited, so make sure you book in advance – link in bio.

You can also:

🪏 Get hands-on with real archaeological finds uncovered during a recent dig in the area
🎨 Get creative with family-friendly art activities
🦋 Explore Naseem's interactive Mona and the Moths sculpture, using UV lights and sensors to reveal hidden patterns

If you can't make it tomorrow, Naseem will be at Darley Street Market on Friday 30 October, 11am - 3pm, for another free Dig Discovery Day. Swipe for more details.

The Wild Boar Street project is led by artist Naseem Darbey, in partnership with Bradford Museums & Galleries and South Square Centre. It builds on Mona and the Moths, created for South Square’s first OUR TURN visual arts festival in 2025.

South Square is now developing OUR TURN 2027 (subject to further fundraising) with plans for work created through Wild Boar Street to form a key part of the festival.

@naseemdarbeyartist @bradfordmuseums @aceagrams @thecorndollypub @darleystmarketbfd @irenelofthousewriter

#WildBoarStreet #Bradford #BradfordHistory #SociallyEngagedArt #OURTURN by @southsquarecentre

This Saturday I did a wet felting only workahop with a group who’d not done it before bar 1 lady. This is what they made in just 3hrs. Huge thank you to Val, Avery, Ellen, Hazel, Lauren, Chris, LynRose and Kate for such a lovely day. And a massive thank you to Lauren for inviting me Xx by @southsquarecentre

These littles treasures just landed on the shelves at @southsquarecentre gallery

You can now find a fresh batch of my hand embroidered brooches and my new heritage inspired cross-stitch pattern in this lovely gallery space.

If you’re looking to get a head start on early Christmas gifts (or just want to treat yourself), head over to pick one up.

I’m not doing many in-person events for the rest of the year so this is a rare chance to get your hands on my work. Pop in, support local, and see them in person 🙂
.
.
.
#shopsmall
#shophandmade
#shoplocal
#bradford
#bradfordartist by @southsquarecentre

We've got some exciting news to share!

Last week, we attended a special In-Communities event where we were shortlisted for funding for a community project in Allerton .

It was such an inspiring evening, hearing about the fantastic work charities and community groups are doing across Bradford to make a difference in their local communities. There's so much brilliant work happening across our district!

We are also delighted to share that, following a public vote, we've been awarded funding for Growing Allerton Together. This intergenerational environmental project will bring together children aged 10–12 from the Wildlife Boys group, local residents and professional artists to transform the Weymouth Centre community garden.

Through gardening, wildflower planting, mural-making and public art, they'll work together to create a more biodiverse, creative and welcoming space for the whole community to enjoy 💚

Growing Allerton Together builds on our ongoing partnership with RootedIn, supporting young people in Thornton and Allerton through creative activities and experiences.

A huge thank you to In-Communities and everyone who voted for us. We're so grateful for the opportunity to continue and grow this work alongside our local community.

@rootedin @incommunitiesha

#SouthSquareCentre #Bradford #Allerton #CommunityArts #CommunityGardening by @southsquarecentre

Earlier this month, our fantastic artist team visited local primary schools to get children involved in our upcoming exhibition, Vespertine Garden 🦊 🌙 🌿

Artists Amy and Emma Bairstow led creative sessions exploring the plants and animals that come to life at dusk - and the things we can do to help protect them.

The children also got hands-on, creating sculptures and scenery that will become part of the exhibition when it opens in November. A big thank you to the schools for welcoming us. We can't wait for the children to see their creations brought to life as part of the installation.

If you'd like to get involved in making things for Vespertine Garden, come along to our free Family Craft Drop In on Tuesday 27 October, 10.30 - 1.30pm. You can drop in at any time, but if you can, please let us know you're coming so we can make sure we have plenty of materials.

You can also join us on Friday 6 November, 4 - 9pm, for the opening of Vespertine Garden. Entry is free, but we'll be offering timed slots so everyone can enjoy the installation comfortably.

Outside your timed slot, you're welcome to explore everything else happening at South Square and enjoy refreshments from our onsite café, bar and pop-up drinks stand.

Following opening night, Vespertine Garden will be open for drop-in visits as usual, Tuesday to Sunday, until Sunday 28 February 2027. No booking required.

You'll find booking links for both our Family Craft Drop-In and Opening Night in our bio 💙

Vespertine Garden has been funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Culture Company, and was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre.

A huge thank you to our artist team Amy and Emma Bairstow, Fran Bundey and Matt Radcliffe for all their work on the project so far.

@artworksedu @lendme.your.ears @mattradphoto @aceagrams @bradfordcultureco @artworkssy @barnsleycivic

#VespertineGarden #SouthSquareCentre #BradfordArts #CommunityArts #ArtAndNature by @southsquarecentre

'Unfurling' is a new solo exhibition of mixed-media abstracted landscapes - as a member of #Unit9 artists who show at the Upstairs Gallery at SouthSquare.

The opening is on Fri 6th November 2026 - 5-8pm and running until Sun 29th Nov. Come and join us - up the stairs, no need to book! There'll be two meet the artist sessions - Sun 8th & 29th Nov where we can talk all things technique, thinking, creative play and finding what sings.

You can also visit the new exciting installation of Vespertine Garden in South Squares downstairs gallery.

A magic night of creativity and nature, here in Thornton, Bradford.

South Square Gallery opening hours:
10.30-3pm Tues - Sat
12-3pm Sundays by @southsquarecentre

We have got some gorgeous workshops coming up for you next week at South Square.

Join us this October half term for:

🍂 Wet Felting: 24 October, 11am - 2.30pm
Take inspiration from the changing seasons to create your own beautiful felted scene.

✂️ Family Craft Drop-In: 27 October, 10.30am - 1.30pm | FREE
Create plants and animals that will become part of our Vespertine Garden exhibition this November.

✨ Polymer Clay Jewellery Making: 29 October, 6 - 8pm
Get creative with polymer clay and make up to four beautiful pieces of jewellery to take home.

And there’s plenty more to come! Take a look at our workshops for the rest of the year (including some festive treats) and book your place on our website 💙

@sevenhandsdesigns @makewithgilly

#SouthSquare #Bradford #WhatsOnBradford #CreativeWorkshops #GetCreative by @southsquarecentre

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our last Art of Eating event! 🍽️ 🎨

Inspired by artist Patti Smith’s work, the team at Plenty at the Square created an absolutely gorgeous menu, full of seasonal flavours, interesting textures and beautiful works of art on the plate.

We also had the chance to hear from Patti about her exhibition, Mutations in Bloom and Ruff, and the inspirations and creative processes behind her work.

It was such a lovely evening, bringing together art, food and conversation – the perfect treat for an autumn evening 🍂

If you’d like to explore Patti’s exhibition (and sample some of Plenty’s delicious food for yourself!), you can pop into the café during opening hours until Sunday 1 November.

A huge thank you to Patti, the team at Plenty and everyone who came along and made the evening so special ❤️

@swim2blue @plentyatthesq

#SouthSquareCentre #Bradford #BradfordWhatsOn #ArtandFood #TheArtOfEating by @southsquarecentre

Discover the hidden history of Wild Boar Street and Bradford’s lost Wapping district.

Join artist, Naseem Darbey, at two interactive Dig Discovery Days - free and open to everyone:

The Corn Dolly | Wednesday 28 October | 12 – 4pm |
Darley Street Market | Friday 30 October | 11am – 3pm |

In these exciting afternoons of exploration, you'll:

🐗 Join writer, storyteller and social historian Irene Lofthouse for interactive
storytelling about Bradford’s famous wild boar
🪏 Delve into real archaeological finds uncovered during a recent dig in the area
🎨 Take part in a family-friendly art activity
🦋 Experience Naseem’s interactive Mona and the Moths sculpture, where UV
lights and sensors reveal hidden patterns

As part of the event on 28 October at The Corn Dolly, there will also be a guided walk around Wapping with Irene Lofthouse connecting the archaeology to the wider story of the area.

The walk starts at 12pm and will last no more than one hour. Places are limited and booking is required, so please book your spot in advance - link in bio.

The Wild Boar Street project is led by artist Naseem Darbey, in partnership with Bradford Museums & Galleries and South Square Centre. It builds on Mona and the Moths, created for South Square’s first OUR TURN visual arts festival in 2025.

South Square is now developing OUR TURN 2027 (subject to funding) with plans for work created through Wild Boar Street to form a key part of the festival.

@naseemdarbeyartist @bradfordmuseums @aceagrams @thecorndollypub @darleystmarketbfd

#WildBoarStreet #Bradford #BradfordHistory #SociallyEngagedArt #OURTURN by @southsquarecentre