Channel 4 commissions cutting edge artist for Yorkshire themed art project

16 February 2022

Channel 4 has commissioned a new artwork by acclaimed artist Martin Firrell which will celebrate the people of Leeds and Bradford.

Entitled Out of the Ordinary (in Bradford and Leeds), the project will feature the stories of people who live or work in Bradford and Leeds, the new home of Channel 4’s National HQ.

Martin Firrell is asking people who live or work in either city to help create the artwork and share submissions outlining what makes them and their lives unique and extraordinary.

Martin Firrell is one of the most exciting artists of his generation and his speciality is showing art in public places, which he says makes art “A powerful force for good that should be a joyous expression of our shared humanity.”

Sinead Rocks, Managing Director of Nations and Regions at Channel 4 said: “Martin is a huge talent and will do a wonderful job of showcasing the vibrance and diversity of this part of Yorkshire.

“Here at Channel 4 we celebrate difference and creativity, and we are not afraid to take risks as well as to champion unheard voices. Our approach fits perfectly with Martin’s work, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he creates.”

“Our gorgeous office in Leeds is our biggest base outside London and will act as launch pad for a whole programme of activity right across the North. This project with Martin is just the start.”

Martin will record a series of short clips which he will build into a final mosaic of films Out of the Ordinary (in Bradford and Leeds) which will pay tribute to the cities that have welcomed the broadcaster to Yorkshire.  He wants people to describe what is extraordinary in their everyday lives.

Explaining why this is so important to him, Martin said: “I am fascinated by people’s stories, and just about everyone has something remarkable about them if they just take the time to think about it.”  

Martin will choose his favourite clips from people’s submissions and work them into a final, filmed piece of art.

Taking part in Out of the Ordinary (in Bradford and Leeds) is quick and easy; contributors must be over 18 and either live or work in Bradford or Leeds. All people have to do to be considered for the final artwork is to describe in one sentence what is out of the ordinary about their daily life and if possible, send in a picture too. The deadline for contributions is 15 April. Full details can be found at martin.firrell.com . 

Martin will select the most ‘out of the ordinary’ contributions to create the artwork, which will be shown later in the year.

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Notes to Editors:

Channel 4 will be using its Leeds HQ to provide career, training and development opportunities across the North for people interested in working in TV. It has also committed to significantly increasing its commissioning budget spent in the Nations and Regions, with a target of 50% by 2023 as part of its ‘4 All The UK’ strategy.

Martin Firrell is an acclaimed artist who believes that art’s proper place is at the centre of everyday life. He uses digital billboards, cinema screens, newspapers, and video interviews in his work and lives by the motto “Why settle for the art world when you can have the whole world?” More info can be found at www.martinfirrell.com.

Press Contact: Susie Mackean, SMackean@channel4.co.uk