I’ve just returned from a day of invigilating duties at the South Square Centre, in Bradford. There are two very interesting shows on at the moment. The larger of the two celebrates the fortieth anniversary of the creation of the Centre, and examples of their work have been requested from artists who have exhibited in the place at some time over that period. The other exhibition marks the twentieth anniversary of the formation of the Unit 9 group (to which I am attached.) Again, submissions have been invited not only from the current members but also from artists who have been involved the group at one time or another over the two decades of its existence. Taken together these two displays provide an impressive record of the work of artists in the region, some of whom have now become quite well-known.
I am particularly proud of our achievements in the Unit 9 group. Sitting in the gallery today and looking round at the display, I was impressed by the diversity and the quality of the work we have done. I think that this is recognised in the number of red dots around the room. The fact that my appreciation is not purely personal was reflected in the conversations I was able to have with visitors to the gallery, and in the level of attention which they were giving to the work. We really do have reasons to celebrate.