£20m funding boost for Bradford 2025

We’re thrilled to annouce the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has awarded us £10m, alongside a further £5m from National Lottery funding through the Arts Council, and another £4.95m from the National Heritage Lottery Fund – to a major boost to our year as UK City of Culture 2025.

The investment will support the delivery of our programme – including approximately 1,000 performances and events developed in collaboration with local artists and creatives.

Our year of UK City of Culture 2025 is expected to attract 15.5 million visitors and bring an additional visitor spend of £136.9 million into the local economy. The increased cultural and economic activity is expected to deliver up to £389 million of growth for Bradford.

As momentum starts to build and with less than 18 months until we start our year as UK City of Culture this major funding is essential for us in delivering against our ambitions and creating an unforgettable year that Bradford needs and deserves.

“Over the coming months, thanks to the funding announced today, we’ll be able to progress key projects that will enable us to provide the opportunity for everyone in the district to engage in Bradford 2025 in some way – whether that is by attending an event, participating in a workshop, creating a performance or volunteering.”
Dan Bates and Shanaz Gulzar, Executive Director and Creative Director at Bradford 2025

“With its unique culture and young and vibrant population, Bradford will be a fantastic host for the UK City of Culture 2025. We are investing £10 million in the city this year to help prepare for the event so we can make sure it stimulates new jobs and growth in the local economy through culture. We want to open up access to the arts, create opportunities for young people, and inspire our next generation of writers, artists and performers.”
Stuart Andrew, Culture Minister at DCMS

“The team at Bradford 2025 are already building a life-changing, awe-inspiring programme of brilliant artistic and cultural activities across the district’s arts organisations, museums and libraries. But there’s so much more to come. This investment will have a huge impact on the lives of the people who live, work and study in the city – as well as thousands of visitors over the coming years. I’m on the edge of my seat, eager to see and hear how Bradford’s journey of amazing creativity will unfold.” 
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England 

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ve enabled past City of Culture award holders to showcase the history and heritage of their cities. We have seen first-hand the transformational effects that an exciting heritage programme can bring, creating a deeper sense of place, pride and identity. We look forward to our funding opening up heritage for all those who live, work and visit Bradford, to celebrate and enjoy.”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund