All across Calderdale, diverse groups of people come together for health and wellness but get so much more from their time together. Through film, photo and items of meaning, Common Ground tells the stories of these groups and individuals, exploring the importance of connection and the power of sports and activity to unite us.

From football to fitness classes, wheelchair rugby to wild swimming, this exhibition paints a powerful picture of kindness, welcome and belonging for all members of our community.

Exhibition open 1-4pm, Wednesday-Saturday

Join us for Opening Night on Friday 13 June, 5-7pm, and a Behind the Scenes Event on Thursday 26 June, 6-8pm.

About the exhibition

At the heart of this exhibition are two short films by local filmmaking duo Matt and Janine Radcliffe.

Home Ground, developed in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax, follows the head coach and players from St Augustine’s FC and looks at the important role that football plays as they seek asylum and build a new life with dignity in the UK.

This Valley features six community groups in Calderdale and explores the important work that they do to connect people to a community and make Calderdale the welcoming place that we know and love.

Alongside the films, photography, poetry, paintings and more tell individual stories in more detail and explore the power of connection, inclusion and belonging to transform lives.

About the artist(s)

Matthew Radcliffe is a photographer and filmmaker based in Halifax who believes that the visual arts are an important tool for creating a better world. Driven by a passion to tell authentic stories and leave the world a better place, Matt creates poignant and thought-provoking film and imagery that seeks to challenge bias and inequality.

Artwork for this exhibition has also been provided by poet, Hana Gillani, and oil painter and multimedia creative, Polly Chillcot (Instagram: @pollychillcottart).  

Further Information

Refugee Week 2025

This exhibition will run over Refugee Week (16 – 22 June), a global movement that celebrates the contributions and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. At the exhibition, you’ll be able to learn more about St Augustine’s Centre, a charity in Halifax that provides support to refugees and people seeking asylum, and have the opportunity donate to support their work.

Accessibility and quiet visits

The Everybody Gallery and the art school at Everybody Arts are both wheelchair accessible. Quiet visits for this exhibition will be held on Friday 20 and 27 June. During this time, films will be screened with subtitles only (no sound) and other noise will be kept to a minimum.

Funding and support

Funding for this exhibition has been provided through Culturedale, Calderdale’s year-long programme of creativity and activity. In kind donations and support have been provided by a range of partners including St Augustine’s Centre, Everybody Arts, Valley of Sanctuary and the individuals and groups that have given their time to take part in film and photography projects.  A big thank you to everyone who has supported this project so far.

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