\n Award-winning local sculptor Sam Shendi has designed and created Balancing Acts \u2013 a bright, interactive sculpture at MAPA youth and community centre.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sculpture honours the centre\u2019s role as a community hub, and reflects balance, identity, and shared belonging and is part of Bradford\u2019s City of Culture celebrations.\n<\/p>\n
\n Children playing with the sculpture at MAPA (Image: Andrew Benge)\n<\/p>\n
\n Acknowledging the centre\u2019s past as a playground, the sculpture has moveable blocks \u2013 meaning it doubles up as a piece of play equipment.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sculpture was officially unveiled on Tuesday at an event attended by Bradford East MP Imran Hussain and Mr Shendi.\n<\/p>\n
\n The centre, off Manchester Road, was formerly known as Margaret McMillan Adventure Playground, and has helped shape generations of children in the city.\n<\/p>\n
\n Children playing with the sculpture at MAPA (Image: Andrew Benge)\n<\/p>\n
\n At the unveiling, plenty of children gathered around the sculpture, spinning its multicoloured segments.\n<\/p>\n
\n Its unveiling is a key moment in Bradford 2025\u2019s PLAY programme, which aims to boost the district\u2019s existing play provision.\n<\/p>\n
\n At the event, Mr Hussain said: \u201cOne of the greatest things about Bradford is that all communities are welcome and we are all united.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThis is a colourful, magnificent structure created by a local artist. It symbolises play, and is something young people can play with.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Referring to Bradford\u2019s year as City of Culture, Mr Hussain said: \u201cIt is a really magnificent year \u2013 people are saying it\u2019s our time. We are setting our own narrative \u2013 we are a proud home to communities from around the world.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It is a magnificent place to call home.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Sam Shendi with his sculpture (Image: T&A)\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It tells a story of generations growing up in this space, learning balance in life, through joy and coming together.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe wanted it to reflect that this site started as a playground.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n She said there were several events being held throughout the year to celebrate play and the district\u2019s young population.\n<\/p>\n
\n The sculpture at MAPA (Image: T&A)\n<\/p>\n
\n Referring to the bright colours on the sculpture, Egyptian-born Shendi, who lives in Cowling, said the colours reflected life, adding: \u201cWe often use colours to describe emotions.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n He described it as a \u201csmall gift\u201d for MAPA.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u00a0\n<\/p>\n
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