It is a vital asset to the city, bringing art to the community in a welcoming and accessible way, to people from all walks of life. The artists and volunteers work tirelessly to curate exhibitions which change on a frequent basis, displaying an eclectic mix of artwork on a range of themes.

Whether you`re into textiles or sculptures, landscapes or abstract art there will be an exhibition at some point to nurture your taste.

The Trapezium team told me they have three main aims:

* To exhibit quality contemporary art in a location and way that is of interest to both the general public and those from the art community.

* To create opportunities for artists, photographers and community groups to display their work in a friendly, inviting environment.

* To help revitalise an area that has seen a decline in its retail activity and provide a new opportunity for visiting the city centre.

Says the team: “We’re exhibiting a variety of art in a way that’s easily accessible – people can walk straight in off the street – and we provide artists with a supportive space in which to display their work.

“We want to spread the word that artists are welcome to come and talk to us and we’ll work with them to display their work in the way they want.”

The ethos of retaining the city`s reputation as a cultural place to visit is the bones and purpose of the gallery, alongside showcasing talented artists, both professional and enthusiastic amateurs.

The recent textile themed exhibition Fabrication featured Bradford-based artists. This exhibition drew on the capacity for textiles to not only set an everyday theme, but also to narrate a story often combining imagery with words. The artists involved shared personal tales of joy and achievement, but also of suffering, hardship and migration. It also references the role played by textiles in the history of activism and protest.

Pauline Cooke, who produced the exhibition, said: “I wanted to celebrate textiles as an art form, not only for its aesthetic quality, but also because it is a remarkable medium that lends itself to the telling of a story or the sending of a message.”

Textiles have been predominantly a female artform and many girls of older generations were taught to sew for domestic purposes. In the past, it has been dismissed as less skilful than painting or sculpture and associated with the physical wearing of clothes and furnishings, but things are changing.

Another exhibition showcased two district visions from Nudrat Afza, with her black and white photography, and Martin Hearne with his paintings that celebrate the city`s rich diversity and cultural heritage, collaging scenes of everyday life.

A vibrant Bradford street scene by Martin Hearne

As a promoter of children’s and young people’s art I have had the opportunity to hold annual exhibitions and consider myself privileged to work alongside the volunteers at the Trapezium.

To celebrate Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture the children and young people’s exhibition Being Hockney was a huge success, attracting over 200 visitors in a few days. It was launched by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, which was a special treat for the young artists. I`m now preparing the next one for July.

The opening of the Being Hockney exhibition last year (Image: Lynne Dobson)

The exciting current exhibition Small Works, Wall Works, running until March 14, focuses on small-scale sculptural practices and encompasses a broad and diverse range of sculptural materials such as fired clay, stitched fabric, carved stone, wood constructions and mixed media.

This sculpture, by Paula Chambers, is on display in Small Works, Wall Works

This exhibition and all the forthcoming ones are well worth a visit. The Seeds online gallery offers yet more opportunities too.

This colourful textile by Dawn Rodgers is one of the artworks on display

Sometimes I think people feel intimidated by the art world due to the often-convoluted critiques by certain professionals. The Trapezium Gallery is art for all and dismisses these beliefs – inviting anybody and everybody to experience art in a friendly welcoming environment. Come in and see for yourselves.

Visit art@trapezium.com

* Lynne Dobson is a Yorkshire artist.