‘The Big Hug’, created by artist John Merill, has been co-designed with the input of around 400 adults and children locally. It is the centrepiece of a new ‘eco-park’ featuring over 300 shrubs and pollinator-friendly plants.

 

 

Beam’s role in the project was to work with The Leap and stakeholders to develop a robust, ambitious and detailed artist brief for the commission, which acted as a roadmap for the project. We then managed an open call for artists, conducted longlisting and shortlisting with a selection panel and managed artist interviews which resulted in the appointment of John Merrill.

 

The project was then taken forward into its delivery stage by The Leap, with John and partners, who delivered a fantastic outcome to the project in the form of ‘The Big Hug’. We are delighted to see that the ambitions for the project within the original brief have been realised. 

 

 

More about ‘The Big Hug’ –

The 10ft (3m) tall sculpture was commissioned by Bradford-based non-profit company The Leap, which supports community-led arts and culture across the district. The reclaimed oak sculpture takes inspiration from nature and was designed to encourage people living nearby to use local green spaces.

 

“Conversations with those living in the area led us towards a sculpture that was focused on the importance of community and the environment,” said sculptor John Merrill, who is originally from Yorkshire. It was also  inspired by “the idea of family networks and family trees growing into something that is ready to flourish”.

 

Zulf Ahmed, The Leap director, said: “The installation of this artwork is the culmination of years of planning and preparation.

“We’re so pleased that in this City of Culture year, we’re able to bring something new and inspiring to the famous Leeds Road corridor – a part of Bradford that is known for its strength through its diversity.”

 

Paul Duncan, deputy director for Natural England in Yorkshire, said: “We hope that this beautiful new sculpture will inspire visitors and the local community to explore, celebrate, and understand their natural heritage whilst helping to tell the story of this special place for generations to come.”

 

 

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, added: “This artwork definitely enhances the natural area, which has been reclaimed at a busy junction.

“It’s totally fitting for the environment it is based in and is testament to both the artist and community.

“I’m sure many people will enjoy it over future years.” 

 

The reclaimed oak sculpture sits on a plinth and has a total height of three metres. Weighing around four tonnes, it had to be lifted into place by a specialist haulier. The eco-park it is situated in has been described as a “natural oasis for the community”. “The space not only provides a much-needed green corridor but also delivers cleaner air, new habitats for wildlife, and a safe walking route for families, schoolchildren and local residents,” a spokesperson for the project added.

The Big Hug project was jointly funded by The Leap’s main backer, Arts Council England, as well as Natural England, Better Start Bradford and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Climate Action Fund.

 

Read more about the project on the BBC website. 

Images © The Leap, Bradford.