South Square is a collection of 19th Century workers cottages, in the old Yorkshire village of Thornton, famous for its Brontë connections and its impressive 20-arch viaduct.
Renovated as a community arts centre in 1982, South Square Centre is now home to ten studio spaces for a variety of artists, as well as a gallery, community spaces, archive, fine art framers, bar and a cafe.
The centre hosts community events and activities for all ages, including an ongoing workshop programme and provides community spaces available to hire.
Christmas Hours:
Gallery:
Closed from 3 pm Friday 19th December
Re-opening 10:30 am Saturday 10th January 2026
Plenty At The Square:
Closed from 3:30 pm Sunday 21st December
Re-opening 9:00 am Tuesday 6th January 2026
The Watchmaker (Open hours)
24th Dec 2pm – 8pm
25th Dec 12pm – 3pm
26th Dec CLOSED
27th Dec 3pm – 10pm
28th Dec 3pm – 8pm
29th Dec CLOSED
30th Dec CLOSED
31st Dec 2pm – 8pm
1st Jan – 15th Jan CLOSED
Reopen Friday 16th January 2026
Freelance Fundraising Support£350pd for 1-2 days per month (or 8 days total)Contract length: September-March with view to extension South Square Centre is an arts, heritage and community centre in the heart of Thornton Village, Bradford, housed in former workers cottages. South Square is home to 3 exhibition spaces, 14 affordable
OUR TURN:Commission Opportunities We have 3 different levels of commissions to award to Bradford-based creatives. Main Commission = £2500 plus expenses Small Grant = £750 Development Bursary = £500 Applications open Tuesday 1st July. Deadline is Tuesday 29th July, 12 noon. All the commissions are open to artists working in any medium
Curator: Bradford OpenDay Rate: £250 per day for 25 daysContract duration: June-DecTotal contract value: £6,250 OUR TURN is an ambitious new festival designed by Bradford artists and we are seeking an experienced Curator to support the delivery of an independent ‘Bradford Open’ exhibition. OUR TURN: Bradford Visual Arts Festival will
South Square Centre is a registered charity. Donations support the centre to deliver its activity programme and provide a safe and inclusive space for workshops, classes and activities. Where possible our activities will be free of charge. Your donation helps us to ensure it stays this way.
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