Facing the Future: Using Art to Tell Cultural Stories
University of Bradford graduate Jumoke Muritala led a powerful face art workshop and exhibition as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, training students to use face painting as a tool for cultural storytelling, empowerment, and unity.
The University of Bradford is turning heads - literally, thanks to a bold face art exhibition that’s as vibrant as the city itself.
As part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, multidisciplinary artist and University of Bradford graduate Jumoke Muritala led a powerful creative workshop to blend cultural storytelling, skill empowerment, and jaw-dropping visual art.
Powerful tool
Jumoke trained 10 students in the art of face painting - not just as decoration, but as a canvas for identity and heritage. The result was a stunning exhibition titled “Cultural Togetherness: Stories on Skin”, held at Student Central on Friday in July, where each face told a story.
Jumoke, who holds an MSc in Digital and Strategic Marketing from the University, began her face art journey in 2020 as a form of protest against violence toward women. Since then, she’s transformed it into a tool for community healing, cultural education, and creative empowerment.
“This is art that tells a cultural story,” said Jumoke. “It’s about giving people, especially students and underrepresented voices, a platform to express who they are and where they come from.”
Global heritage
The exhibition was attended by key figures including Professor Udy Archibong (Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion), Shabina Aslam (Director of the University’s on-campus theatre Theatre in the Mill), and John Strawson-Rooney (Volunteer Programme Lead at Bradford2025).
From Algerian Amazigh tattoos to Bangladeshi survivor stories, Nigerian Nsibidi symbols to Turkish tulips, each design was a living, breathing tribute to global heritage.
The event was supported by the University of Bradford, the Students’ Union, and the Art Society. Jumoke now plans to expand her workshops across West Yorkshire.
