Oluwaseun Victor Adeniyi Shines at Bradford Conference on Creativity, Health and Community

Art as a catalyst for wellbeing and social connection took centre stage at the Move Right – Art & Health Community Conference & Workshop held at the University of Bradford on September 26th, 2026.

Organised by OAK Initiative UK CIC as a post-BAFA (Bradford African Festival of Arts) programme, the event was held at the Small Hall, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, under the theme: “Redefining Wellbeing: Creative Frontiers for Healthier Communities.”

The free event featured panel discussions, creative workshops, networking, live performances and a visual art showcase, all reinforcing the belief that creativity is vital to building healthier and more connected communities.

Art Showcase Celebrates Identity and Resilience

The visual art exhibition featured works that explored identity, resilience and wholeness.

One of the highlights was artist Oluwaseun Victor Adeniyi of VH Galleria, who was presented with a certificate for his contribution as a featured exhibitor. He showcased his piece titled _“Unveiled – Growth Beyond the Surface,”_ a portrait that portrays wellbeing as an organic journey where vulnerability and strength coexist.

“Healing is not about erasing our story, but living fully in it,” Adeniyi said.

Other exhibiting artists included Aderopo Afolabi, Lateefat Tobun, Idris Adegoke, Raymond Darlington, Immanuel Obani and Grant Uzuoanya, among others.

Performances Bridge Culture and Generations

The event also came alive with rich cultural performances. MC Crown served as host, while performances came from Emmy Stikxx (Percussion), Boluwatife Ogunsola (B_Stixz) on traditional drums, Damilola Oludare (PDAM), Mofe Fasanya with spoken word and vocals, and Dayo Sax on saxophone.

From traditional rhythms to contemporary melodies, the performances underscored the role of music and art in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing.

Experts Discuss Art and Health Nexus

Discussions were led by ten distinguished panellists who examined how creative practice can transform community health. They include Ken Nwadiogbu, Kenny Ojo, Tricia Arthur-Stubbs, Damilola Adetomiwa, Oyedotun Oyesomi, Faloh Jagaban, Precious Okwuchukwu, Tope Dada, Shummel Uddin and Thahmina Begum.

The panellists explored how art can reshape wellbeing, preserve cultural heritage and build sustainable models of person-centred care.

The conference was supported by Arts Council England, NHS, City of Bradford, Prolific Arts, Odyssey, Give Bradford and Living Well, and marked a continuation of the momentum from BAFA, reinforcing the message that when creativity leads, communities heal together.