Bradford School of Art is delighted to host an Artist in Residence programme, designed to connect education with the thriving arts and culture sector in the region. By inviting industry practitioners, there’s an opportunity to develop their work using the College’s facilities and resources, while creating opportunities for students to engage and learn.
This year, the College welcomes Martha Kean—better known as MARF—an alumna whose work in music, sound installations, and moving image brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the role.
Her residency comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with Bradford 2025 City of Culture celebrations. Over the next year, Martha will not only develop critical projects but also be available to students to offer guidance, workshops, and hands-on opportunities to learn from an active industry professional.
We sat down with Martha to explore her artistic journey, her plans for the residency, and the connections between education, the arts, and the Bradford community.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
“I started in music as a vocalist and promoter. Then I transitioned into video and audio work, and now I create a mix of video and sound projects for theatre and cultural events.” Over the years, she has worked on both the artistic and production ends of cultural events, collaborating with stage companies and advocating for the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.
Martha traced her beginnings to Bradford’s music scene, where she co-founded a social enterprise to support local artists. “It gave me and others a platform,” she said, reflecting on those early days. By the late 2000s, Martha and her brother signed to a music label, but the lifestyle wasn’t sustainable. “We weren’t making much money, and the gigs were often super late. It wasn’t working.”
Frustrated by the lack of fitting visuals for their music, she decided to take matters into her own hands. “I quite arrogantly thought, ‘I’ll do it myself.’ That’s what led me to Bradford College.” At 35, Martha returned to education, enrolling in the Creative Media course while juggling freelance work and managing ADHD.
She completed her course in 2019, with a clear vision: “I didn’t want to make fiction or commercial content. I wanted to work within the arts and culture space – films about theatre processes, documentaries, or promotional videos for cultural events.”
What inspires your artistic practice?
“I gravitate towards the documentary side of things,” Martha explained. “I like capturing the real as it appears, rather than over-accentuating.” She’s particularly drawn to archival formats and older tools, like Super 8 cameras, which she plans to use during her residency.
“I think a lot about sustainability,” she added. “Older formats make me question the throwaway culture of modern technology. I like to reuse and repurpose materials in my work.”
At the School of Art, she’s excited to explore the Bradford Textile Archive, hoping to create sounds inspired by its patterns. “It’s early days, but I’d love to experiment with graphical sounds and see where that takes me.”
Martha also credits Björk as a key influence. “She’s iconic. Her work is so emotive, and she’s always ahead of the curve in technology. I admire the breadth of what she’s done.”
What will you be working on during your residency?
Martha’s year-long residency at the Bradford School of Art also coincides with Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations, making it a pivotal moment for the region’s creative landscape. “I’m working on two public-facing audio commissions as one half of Turbynes,” – a collaborative duo with Rosie Freeman. While details are still under wraps, Martha is excited to share her work with the estimated 15 million visitors expected to visit Bradford in 2025.
Her solo project, titled Must Cry Harder, holds deep personal significance for her. “On a personal level, it’s about why I don’t cry when I need to, but I cry at silly things,” she said. The project also examines societal pressures around vulnerability and emotional expression. “It ties into the phrase ‘must try harder,’ which teachers often write on reports. Working on this here feels fitting, as I’ll be spending so much time in an educational space.”
What drew you to Bradford School of Art for this residency?
“It’s personal for me. This place shaped who I am today. As a mature student, I had great support here. When the opportunity came up, it felt like the perfect way to give back.”
Martha also hopes to help elevate the School of Art’s reputation. “It’s produced so many great artists over the years.”
What do you hope to offer the students here?
“It’s a two-way thing,” she explained. “Having access to the space and resources to develop my work is amazing, but I also want to give back. I want to be visible to the students, to operate an open-door policy in my space.”
Martha has already started interacting with students, giving talks during Cultural Careers Week. As well as delivering her own workshops & talks as part of the residency, she hopes to connect students with other industry professionals and opportunities through her networks – including work experience opportunities for keen candidates.
Her presence at the School of Art underscores the value of initiatives like this residency, which bring industry practitioners into the classroom. For students, it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience and insight into the realities of a creative career.
What do you love about Bradford as a city?
“It’s unique. Even though it’s a big city, you’re never far from nature or the countryside.” This balance of urban innovation and natural beauty is a recurring theme in her work; her monthly BCB Radio show, The Turbynes Hour, explores how nature and technology coexist in Bradford.
Martha’s residency marks an exciting chapter for Bradford School of Art, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for students and staff alike. Her passion for the arts and dedication to sharing her craft will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the College. “This place has such a strong history, it’s exciting to be back, working and creating here again.”
From January 2025, Martha will usually be on-site every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic session, inviting students to drop by for a chat. Whether you’re seeking advice, inspiration, or simply a creative conversation, her door is always open. Martha will be based at The Mezzanine in the Lister Building, and you can contact her via email – [email protected].
Learn more about our Creative Media course or explore the full range of Bradford School of Art courses that could shape your future.
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