Celebrate the Difference: Talk with Rashid Mahmood Khan and Damon Scully

(Participants in Channel 4 documentary Make Bradford British)

Thursday 24 May 2012 6.30pm Impressions Gallery, Centenary Square, Bradford Free event, no booking required

Following the success of Channel 4s barrier breaking documentary Make Bradford British, Rashid Mahmood Khan and Damon Scully will be joining us to discuss their experience of filming the programme and issues of segregation in Bradford today. Damon and Rashid have emerged as role models and advocates for positive change in Bradford since the airing of the programme in March. Believers in the fact that ignorance breeds resentment, the pair are now making regular public appearances and attempting to alter public perception, challenge prejudices and reduce racial segregation. The talk has been scheduled to compliment our current exhibition Making Space by emerging Irish photographer Noel Bowler. Made over the course of three years, these photographs offer a fascinating insight into how private homes, office spaces, and industrial units are being adapted for prayer by Muslim communities throughout Ireland.

Notes for editors For further information and images contact Angela Sheard at angelasheard@impressions-gallery.com or phone 01274 737843.

Speaker Profiles Rashid Mahmood Khan Former professional Rugby League player Rashid, 37, was born and raised in the heart of Bradford's inner city Asian community. "I've seen a cultural shift in Bradford over the years with higher concentrations of ethnic minorities living in and around Bradford. Communities are working hard from all backgrounds to address any divides. Integration can be difficult due to lack of understanding of other cultures hence we don't really integrate as much as we should." Damon Scully Sheet metal worker Damon is 24 and lives alone since splitting up with the mother of his three-year-old daughter. I suppose the high point is that having left the house, everyone has kept in touch with each other. I think that was the best thing, seeing people from totally different backgrounds going in and getting on so well so quickly. There was no tension between anyone. Low points? I can't pick any out.

Impressions Gallery promotes photography that gets people looking, thinking and talking. Established in 1972 as one of the first specialist photographic galleries in Europe, it has grown to become one of the UKs leading independent venues for contemporary photography. Its new building in Centenary Square Bradford, which opened in August 2007, is the first public-funded specially built gallery for photography in the UK. Impressions is funded by Arts Council England, Yorkshire, and Bradford Metropolitan District Council. www.impressions-gallery.com