Art with Purpose: Jumoke Muritala Uses Visual Storytelling to Celebrate Culture, History and Challenge Social Issues at the Bradford African Festival of Arts 2025

Yinka Olatunbosun

Jumoke Muritala, a Nigerian-born, UK-based multi-disciplinary visual artist, made a remarkable impact at the Opening Ceremony of the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA) 2025. The festival, held from 13th to 16th August, brought together civic leaders, artists, and communities to celebrate African heritage and creativity. Jumoke’s exhibition on Wednesday, 13th August at the Great Hall, University of Bradford, was one of the highlights of the four-day event.

Festival Director, Dr. Olushola Kolawole (OAK) praised Jumoke’s exhibition, commending the depth, originality, and cultural pride evident in her work. A driving force known for championing African heritage and creativity in the UK, Dr. Kolawole highlighted Jumoke’s contribution as a testament to the power of art in fostering cultural pride and dialogue.

Jumoke is recognised for creating art that is not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful, works that celebrate culture, honour history, and spark dialogue on social issues.

During the exhibition, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, who attended as Guest of Honour, was particularly impressed by a powerful piece presented by Jumoke but created by a participant from her most recent workshop under her close guidance and tutelage. The artwork addressed the issue of physical violence against women, and the Lord Mayor emphasised its importance, stating:

“The British government is taking this very seriously, and it is genius that you have made it possible for this issue to be powerfully communicated through art.”

Jumoke also showcased an art piece she created, inspired by Wakefield, as part of her new collection. After she shared the story behind the artwork, Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025, remarked that he could personally relate to it. Jumoke explained that the piece was designed to celebrate the resilience of Wakefield’s people, who were forced to transition from mining to modern trades.

Drawing from West African motifs, another of her artworks celebrates the stories and symbols of the past, showing how heritage can be reimagined without being forgotten.

“Seeing these designs evolve today is wonderful, yet we must always remember where they come from to preserve our culture,” she said.

Expanding on the vision that drives her practice, Jumoke stated: “The importance of this is to promote cultural sensitivity and continue the conversation of eradicating cultural segregation, because it is limiting. When you learn about cultural history, you become more appreciative of other cultures and in the long run, this will help abolish prejudice and build stronger, united communities.”

Her presence at BAFA 2025 demonstrated the power of art to educate, inspire, and transform communities, while reinforcing the role of creativity in shaping inclusive societies.

As one of the defining highlights of the festival, Jumoke Muritala’s contribution further establishes her as a leading creative voice in the UK art landscape, committed to using visual art as a tool for cultural pride, social dialogue, and positive change.

Jumoke continues to champion artistic expression as a medium for cultural connection and social impact and will be exhibiting on the 22nd of August at the Young Leaders for Arts & Health Summit, hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. There, she will be reinforcing the transformative power of art alongside outstanding artists and visionary leaders from around the world.