Art project brings together the generations

An art project created by older women working alongside primary school pupils has been unveiled in Bradford.

The Tiling The Story Of BD7 scheme was the brainchild of Dr Sofia Buncy, who is project director at the Khidmat Centre in Lidget Green, and teacher Lucy Canning.

Children from Horton Grange Primary School and women who live in the BD7 postcode area were brought together under the guidance of visual artist Zareena Bano.

The resulting pieces now form a welcome sign which was this week unveiled in the centre's foyer.

Dr Buncy, who is also a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, said the idea for the project was created after observing that both groups used the centre but separately.

She said: "The women spoke about the fact that actually arts and sports and culture had not been a priority for them as they were growing up.

"They'd spent their lives serving families and serving communities.

"This was one of the times that they were able to relax and enjoy and creative spaces."

A group of women, many who know each other from school, were then introduced to the children.

Dr Buncy said: "I just think there is a lot of mileage in intergenerational work.

"There is a lot of two-way learning, but I think there is an assumption that it will just be one way.

"I think it's beautiful what can come as a consequence and we see that here."

Over a number of weeks the women and the children created round tiles and mosaics designs featuring mandala design.

Mandala art is a geometric design or pattern, often circular, that represents the cosmos or deities in various spiritual traditions

Ms Buno said: "At first there was a bit of resistance because they didn't know what to expect

"But after a few sessions they just connected and what they created was tangible, colourful and bold and they learned from each other."

Rayyan, 10, said the project had taught him how much fun art could be while fellow pupil Humaira, also 10, said she had "bonded with the ladies" and "shared stories".

Retired nursery nurse Shaheen Hafeez said: "It's brought me back memories of when I was young and I used to do drawing.

"But nobody took interest in it.

"Now I know that these children are interested in it and are going to take part in it, especially at home."

Teacher Thahmina Rahman said: "We talked about ideas such as the circle of life.

"We wanted something to represent our school values such as resilience and kindness.

"And we also thought about how we could tie in the culture of our community into the design.

"The children have honestly loved it. Every single session the bond has just strengthened, week after week."

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