A dream-like installation in Bingley has opened to the public, as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
The installation, named GRUE, is situated at Damart Mill and opened on February 8 and 9.
GRUE will present a series of sessions especially for local schools, home educators, and community groups from February 11 to 14 before reopening to the public for February half term from February 15 to 23.
Commissioned by Bradford 2025, GRUE, a “magical immersive installation” by Wintercroft and ARCADE, is described as “perfect” for families with pre-school and primary school children.
Complete with live performers and inspired by Bingley’s heritage, audiences will explore various fantastical landscapes in the Mill’s basement.
The scenery has been created by the people of Bradford, in workshops including drop-in sessions in libraries, and is entirely made from sustainable and repurposed materials such as paper and cardboard.
Community members have contributed to the creation of items that feature in the installation, including birds, fish, houses, flowers, grasses, and faces (Image: Supplied)
Hundreds of community members have contributed to the creation of more than 1,000 items featured in GRUE, including birds, fish, houses, and flowers.
Local schools have also played a part in building the magical world of GRUE, and will enjoy class trips to the installation in the week before half term.
GRUE marks the first event in Bradford 2025’s year-long PLAY programme, a series of events and playful interventions set to occur throughout the year.
Rhiannon Hannon, director of creative engagement and participation at Bradford 2025, said: “GRUE is the first of many events we’re working on as part of our year-long PLAY programme, which aims to involve children and young people in our UK City of Culture year and encourage them to play.
“Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is building on an extraordinary history of play in the Bradford District by developing a programme that celebrates the universality of play as a tool to learn about ourselves, other people, and the world around us.”
Rach Drew, co-artistic director and CEO of ARCADE, added: “GRUE is an amazing experience that we’ve found people really respond to at a deep level; they are inspired to get creative and it captures imaginations.”
Jeanette Howard-Jones, co-managing director of Damart UK, said: “It is an honour for Damart to be at the heart of GRUE and we are excited for new generations to learn more about our local heritage.”
Wintercroft, founded by Scarborough-based designer and visual artist Steve Wintercroft, designed GRUE.
The installation was produced by Bridlington- and Scarborough-based ARCADE.
For more information on Bradford 2025’s PLAY Programme, please visit https://bradford2025.co.uk/programme/play/
