A group of eight Palestinian teenagers from the West Bank will arrive in Bradford this week as part of a cultural exchange programme built around art, spoken word and shared storytelling.
The event, taking place on Saturday 22 November at the Artz-i Islamic Art Gallery on Longside Lane, is being organised by Bradford Friends of Palestine in partnership with the charity CADFA (Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association). Both organisations work to strengthen links between UK communities and young people living under occupation.
The teenagers, aged between 14 and 16, are visiting as part of the Beyond the Checkpoints project, which supports youth in the West Bank and provides a platform for them to express their experiences through creative arts.
Attendees in Bradford will hear from project leaders and see performances of poetry, drama and spoken word presented by the visiting group. Light refreshments will be available throughout the evening.
A collaborative canvas workshop will form a central part of the gathering, offering residents the chance to paint alongside the young visitors in a relaxed setting. Artwork created by the Palestinian teenagers during their UK visit will go on to be displayed in Camden next year.
The session will be guided by Leeds-based artist and mental health advocate Nahim Akhtar, along with Bradford poet and author Nabeela Khan. Both have longstanding links to community-led arts projects and will support participants in creating pieces that reflect shared themes and experiences.
Robina Ahmed, one of the organisers, said the exchange is an important moment for local engagement.
“We are delighted to welcome these young people from the West Bank to Bradford,” she said. “This visit is a meaningful opportunity to share stories, build understanding and demonstrate the support and solidarity that exists within our community.”
The Bradford event forms part of a wider UK tour aiming to amplify the voices of Palestinian youth and strengthen relationships between communities.
Tickets for the event range from £2.50 for general admission to £5 for the canvas workshop and must be booked in advance. Further information about Bradford Friends of Palestine can be found on the group’s social media channels.
