Award-winning local sculptor Sam Shendi has designed and created Balancing Acts – a bright, interactive sculpture at MAPA youth and community centre.
The sculpture honours the centre’s role as a community hub, and reflects balance, identity, and shared belonging and is part of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations.
Children playing with the sculpture at MAPA (Image: Andrew Benge)
Acknowledging the centre’s past as a playground, the sculpture has moveable blocks – meaning it doubles up as a piece of play equipment.
The sculpture was officially unveiled on Tuesday at an event attended by Bradford East MP Imran Hussain and Mr Shendi.
The centre, off Manchester Road, was formerly known as Margaret McMillan Adventure Playground, and has helped shape generations of children in the city.
Children playing with the sculpture at MAPA (Image: Andrew Benge)
At the unveiling, plenty of children gathered around the sculpture, spinning its multicoloured segments.
Its unveiling is a key moment in Bradford 2025’s PLAY programme, which aims to boost the district’s existing play provision.
At the event, Mr Hussain said: “One of the greatest things about Bradford is that all communities are welcome and we are all united.
The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)
“This is a colourful, magnificent structure created by a local artist. It symbolises play, and is something young people can play with.”
Referring to Bradford’s year as City of Culture, Mr Hussain said: “It is a really magnificent year – people are saying it’s our time. We are setting our own narrative – we are a proud home to communities from around the world.
“It is a magnificent place to call home.”
Sam Shendi with his sculpture (Image: T&A)
Rhiannon Hannon, director of creative engagement at Bradford 2025, said: “Shendi’s sculpture is playful, welcoming, and deeply rooted in the community spirit that MAPA was built on.
“It tells a story of generations growing up in this space, learning balance in life, through joy and coming together.
The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)
“We wanted it to reflect that this site started as a playground.”
She said there were several events being held throughout the year to celebrate play and the district’s young population.
The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)
Referring to the bright colours on the sculpture, Egyptian-born Shendi, who lives in Cowling, said the colours reflected life, adding: “We often use colours to describe emotions.
“I’m so happy to have been chosen by Bradford 2025 to create this sculpture. Balancing Acts is a totem for the future generations to understand the value of their community.”
He described it as a “small gift” for MAPA.