A new free exhibition features rarely seen items from the Arabic and Urdu collections of the British Library, as well as exploring the connections between boxing and calligraphy through the eyes of a group of British South Asian Muslim men living in Bradford today.

‘Fighting to Be Heard’, a new free exhibition, that forms part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’s (Bradford 2025) opening celebrations, runs from 17th January to 27th April, and features rarely seen items from the Arabic and Urdu collections of the British Library and items from Bradford District Museums and Galleries collection.

Bradford Council’s Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will exhibit rare Qurans, some of which have never been displayed in the North of England before, with the oldest dating back to the 9th century, alongside modern artworks inspired by calligraphy and typography

Also on display will be historical and contemporary items from the collection of Bradford District Museums and Galleries, including works by artists Anwar Jalal Shemza, Shahzia Sikander and photographer Peter Sanders among others.

‘Fighting to Be Heard’ is an exhibition co-curated with World Champion boxer Tasif Khan, members of his boxing academy, Objects in the exhibition have been chosen by Bradford based calligrapher, Razwan Ul-Haq and members of Bradford’s Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy.

It includes an Early Qur’an from Near East or Iraq, dating back to the 9th century CE; one of the finest examples of Il-Khanid manuscript illumination, the 14th century Öljaitü Qur’an, which is entirely painted in gold; handwritten Sufi Poetry in the Gujri dialect dating back to 1590 and an artwork from 2012, three paper aeroplanes calligraphed by the late Palestinian artist Dia Batal, which explores how contemporary calligraphy can be used as a form of protest and self-expression.

‘Fighting to Be Heard’ features the men’s personal stories and their reactions to the collections – offering intimate perspectives on these historical items and a look at the unexpected similarities between boxing and calligraphy and how they can inspire one another.

The exhibition features as part of a wider programme of activity forming part of  Bradford’s  work with national partners throughout the year as UK City of Culture. The programme will celebrate the city and surrounding district, tell the stories of its diverse  communities, and spotlight its dynamic contemporary culture.

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 said: “This exhibition is a unique collaboration where the worlds of calligraphy and boxing meet, showing discipline, expression, and beauty.

We hope that through this innovative project, brought together thanks to British Library and Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and their incredible collections, visitors will be inspired, and take a chance on an artform they may not have experienced before.”

Jamie Andrews, Director of Public Engagement at the British Library said: “At the British Library, we are thrilled to have co-curated Fighting to Be Heard, and exceptionally proud to be part of the celebration of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

This is a unique exhibition with Bradford District Museums and Galleries, exploring incredible objects in our Arabic and Urdu collections through the perspectives of calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq and members of Bradford’s Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy. 

We hope visitors will leave with a rich insight into how the disciplines of art and sport are interlinked and that these beautiful items can inspire everyone today.”