Bradford College has unveiled a stunning new mural on its ATC building, created by internationally acclaimed Afghan artist Shamsia Hassani.
The ‘Progression to Learning and Work’ building was chosen as the canvas for Hassani’s latest work, part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture BD project. The initiative has brought street artists from around the world to the district over the past year, creating public artworks that celebrate Bradford’s heritage and vibrant street art culture.
Hassani, the first female graffiti artist from Afghanistan, now based in the USA, is renowned for highlighting the voices of Afghan women in a male-dominated society. She said:
“I am always happy to use my art to change something, whether that be the environment or the people in it. Even if just one person is affected positively by my work, it makes it all worthwhile.
“To create deep, powerful artwork, something inside you has to break. I’m from a society that is more known for the negative things that happen, but I feel like there are so many beautiful things to share from my country. I wanted the world to see Afghanistan in a new light; to see something beautiful aside those issues you hear about from my land.”
The mural also reflects the voices of Bradford College students, Afghan refugees, asylum seekers, and Creative Arts learners. Through engagement sessions in early September, Hassani gathered ideas to ensure the artwork addresses themes of empowerment, safety, and belonging.
Alina Khan, Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Bradford College, said:
“We were truly privileged to welcome Shamsia Hassani to Bradford College. Her art tells powerful stories of courage and change, and we know her work here will resonate with our students and our city – especially women and girls who too often feel unsafe in public spaces.
“By listening to their voices and those of our diverse communities, this mural will reflect not just art, but activism, and a vision for a safer, more inclusive Bradford. This collaboration is more than a mural. It is a conversation on the walls of our city – a lasting legacy for Bradford.”
The striking new artwork is visible to thousands of people travelling past the college every day, standing as a reminder of resilience, solidarity, and the global stories connected to Bradford’s communities.
