What Is The Story Behind The New Shamsia Hassani Mural At Bradford College?

Walk past Bradford College and you can't miss it. A huge, striking new piece of art has appeared on the side of the ATC building, full of colour and meaning. This isn't just any bit of decoration; it's a powerful mural created by the world-famous Afghan artist Shamsia Hassani, officially completed on 08.10.25. This incredible artwork is a big deal for the city, blending stories of courage and hope with the local culture, all part of Bradford's run-up to being the UK City of Culture in 2025. It's a piece of art that's starting a real conversation.

An artist with a powerful message

So, who is the artist behind this amazing graffiti? Shamsia Hassani is not just any artist; she's Afghanistan's first-ever female graffiti artist. In a society where women's voices are often silenced, she uses her artwork to speak volumes. Her work is known around the world for highlighting the stories and struggles of Afghan women, using spray paint to bring their strength and resilience to life on walls. Now based in the USA, Hassani's art is a form of activism that challenges norms and demands change.

She has a clear idea about why she creates art. Hassani explains:

"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."

She also talked about the deep personal connection to her artwork, explaining how it comes from a place of both pain and pride. It's about showing a different side to her home country, a side that isn't about conflict but about beauty and strength. This Afghan artist wants her graffiti to tell different stories.

"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."

This mural is a perfect example of that mission. It's a piece of beauty born from complex stories, bringing a message of empowerment from an incredible artist to the people of Bradford.

Why Bradford and why this building?

This project is part of something much bigger happening across the city. The Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture initiative has been bringing artists from all over the globe to create public art. The goal is to celebrate Bradford's unique heritage and its buzzing street art culture. Choosing the 'Progression to Learning and Work' building at Bradford College was no accident. It's a place of hope, growth, and new beginnings, which perfectly matches the themes in Hassani's work.

The new mural is now a landmark. Thousands of people pass it every single day, making it a constant and visible reminder of the powerful stories woven into the fabric of the city. It's a statement about the kind of place Bradford is - a city that embraces diversity, celebrates creativity, and isn't afraid to have an important conversation out in the open. The artwork is a massive contribution to the local culture, a bold piece that provokes thought and inspires change.

A collaboration of voices

What makes this mural in Bradford extra special is that it wasn't just created by one person. It's a true collaboration. Before a single drop of paint was sprayed, Shamsia Hassani spent time listening. Back in early September, she held sessions with a whole range of people from the local community. She spoke with:

• Bradford College students
• Afghan refugees
• Asylum seekers
• Creative Arts learners

This wasn't just a polite chat; it was about gathering ideas and understanding what mattered to them. The stories and voices from these sessions directly shaped the final artwork. Themes like empowerment, feeling safe, and a sense of belonging were central to the conversation. This means the mural genuinely reflects the hopes and experiences of people who live in the city, including some of its most vulnerable communities. It's an artwork that listens. The creative process ensured the final piece was a testament to the power of shared human stories, reflecting the true diversity of the community and giving voice to the students and residents who participated.

More than just a painting on a wall

It's easy to look at the mural and just see a beautiful image, but it represents so much more. It's a symbol of courage, a beacon of hope, and a powerful piece of activism. This artwork is designed to make people think, especially about the safety of women and girls in public spaces-a topic that resonates deeply with many. The collaboration between Hassani and Bradford College has created a lasting legacy for the city.

Alina Khan, who is the Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Bradford College, put it perfectly:

"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."

She went on to say that the project is about embedding a vision for a safer, more inclusive Bradford right into the city's walls.

"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."

This artwork is proof that a mural can be a powerful tool for social change. It stands for solidarity, resilience, and the global stories that find a home in Bradford, connecting the struggles of Afghan women with the ongoing fight for empowerment everywhere.