↑ fuelling futures exhibition
@theleapbd
shy b & precious metal
photography exhibition
The year-long Fuelling Futures campaign, designed to inspire young people in Bradford into STEM careers, has concluded with an arts and photography showcase celebrating some of the city’s current young role models and ambassadors in the field.
The Fuelling Futures initiative was a collaboration between The Leap, the Mission 44 charity founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, Bradford College and Bradford Council.
The unique project brought together local community car-modifying enthusiasts the Precious Metal initiative, and photographer and creative practitioner Shy Burhan. They came together to create a double exhibition celebrating inspiring young people who are already forging careers in motorsports and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) as well as other role models from across the Bradford district. Both exhibitions were set up right next to the vibrant 32ft mural Neon Intermission, created by acclaimed street artist Mohammed Ali Aerosol as part of the campaign.
"Such an inspiring event , I thought about how much thiis type of events need to reach more youth " Audience participnt
She said: "Projects such as this one will be a big part of improving diversity across STEM in the future. I can't wait to see what's next for Bradford!"
Others backing the aims of the campaign included automotive journalist Abigayle Andre, who said:
"I’m excited to see how this initiative unfolds in my home city. Bradford is full of talent and teens who deserve an opportunity to shine.”heir dream come true, it would be my dream come true.”
stem ambassadors
photography exhibition
Ms Burhan’s specially commissioned portrait exhibition featured 12 individuals – many of them under 25 - who already have successful careers in motorsports and other STEM careers.
Her showcase sat alongside a separate collaborative exhibition of work by local car enthusiasts and organisers of the Precious Metal modified car parade.
Among Ms Burhan’s subjects were trailblazing ladies in the field including - a 22-year old electrician from Idle who owns her own company, and a 25-year old welder and fabricator.
Others featured in the portraits included Stephanie Alexander, a senior safety calibration engineer in the automotive industry and a voluntary Formula 1 race marshal.
A visit to Silverstone and a meeting with Sir Lewis Hamilton himself was one of the main highlights for young people taking part in the project.
Other highlights included the Precious Metal modified car festival, multiple workshops in things like detailing, model engine building and the launch of Neon Intermission, which is now Bradford’s largest piece of public art.
Young people also received mentoring from STEM ambassadors both locally and nationally, and were offered hands-on experiences in automotive and motorsports fields.
precious metal
photography exhibition
Throughout the year, the Fuelling Futures campaign engaged with hundreds of young people in the Bradford district, showcasing how their passions for art, modified automotive culture and motorsports can combine and ultimately guide them to STEM career opportunities.
Fuelling Futures organised multiple outreach and participation events, successfully broadening awareness of STEM pathways, particularly through Bradford College’s apprenticeship programmes and via new partnerships with local and national businesses in the motor industry.
