Roll up, roll up, for a vision of 19th century cinema

People will be able to watch archive footage of the city along with new films against a backdrop of an old-style ornate decorated facade, created by artist Jack Lockhart.

Piccolo Cinema is among five new artworks which have been produced as the central focus of the conference examining the role and value of art and creativity within regeneration.

National and international figures from the world of art and regeneration will lead debate and practical workshops at the Arts of Place conference – organised by Yorkshire-based arts, architecture and learning centre, Beam – at the National Media Museum in Bradford tomorrow.

Conference chair and Beam executive director Robert Powell said: "Our conference will give a timely and valuable opportunity to examine the vital role that arts development and creativity plays within regeneration, particularly at a time of national debate about the Big Society.

"Art and creativity not only inspire hearts and minds but time and again can be shown to boost the economic fortunes of the areas which invest in them."

The temporary artworks, all created by West Yorkshire artists, have been commissioned by Beam with Bradford Council and Arts Council England, Yorkshire to highlight the 24.4m City Park regeneration scheme. They will be sited in and around Centenary Square until October 15.

Mr Powell said: "These new temporary artworks have at their heart the connection between communities and their home city. They have been commissioned to help drive public awareness to the longer-term City Park development which will transform the heart of Bradford, boosting visitor numbers and the city's economy."

The artworks also include a public performance featuring local people talking about their home city, still-life films of rural Bradford projected onto four contrasting city centre locations, and a series of short films on the city centre focusing on the connection people have with Bradford's parks. There will also be a live performance at City Hall exploring the history, information and stories from Bradford Beck.

Arts Council England regional director Cluny Macpherson said: "These innovative public artworks by Yorkshire artists make the cultural connection between the communities of Bradford. They put the arts at the centre of the City Park project and enable people to embrace the regeneration of their home town."