Eye catching Infinite Light sculpture to return to Bradford

Infinite Light was one of the earliest public art installations during Bradford’s year as City of Culture – and was based in Centenary Square for several weeks from last February.

Now, plans to install the bright pink structure in front of Cartwright Hall in Lister Park has been submitted to Bradford Council.

If approved, the large arched piece of art would be based in the park until late September.

What is Infinite Light?

Infinite Light was designed by Bradford-based architectural designer Fatima Mejbil and artist Zarah Hussain.

It is three metres wide and 16.75 metres long. 

The planning application has been submitted by Bradford Culture Company – the organisation set up to continue the legacy of Bradford 2025.

What does the planning application say?

The application says: “The proposal forms part of the ongoing cultural legacy of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, bringing a widely recognised and well-received installation back into the public realm in a new setting.

“The installation is proposed for a temporary period from late May to 30 September 2026.

” The site is located entirely on an existing hard-surfaced tarmac pathway, ensuring no impact on planting or soft landscape.

“The park has an established precedent for hosting sculpture and temporary artworks, including recent large-scale installations in comparable locations.

“The design draws on a fusion of Gothic Revival architectural forms (referencing Bradford’s built heritage) and Islamic geometric and spatial traditions.

“This combination creates a structure that is both locally resonant and culturally inclusive. The pavilion is conceived as a space for reflection and gathering, a threshold or passage rather than a closed object and a structure that encourages movement, pause, and interaction.”

‘We felt it needed to return’

Referring to the sculpture, Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford Culture Company, said: “It was a much, much loved feature and we felt it needed to return.

“Rather than put it in the same location we decided it would great to put it in front of Cartwright Hall, which is one of the best galleries in the District.”

She said the sculpture would be in place for Eid al-Adha later this month.

Council Conservation Officer Hannah Meekings has responded to the planning application, saying: “The siting of the timber pavilion has been carefully considered and will be located on the hard surfaced area of the pathway, avoiding any damage to the landscaping. 

“It is consistent with the use of the park and art gallery for public enjoyment.

“There is no foreseeable harm to the setting of Cartwright Hall or the significance of Lister Park.”