Cultural Capital grants distributed

We’re excited to announce that 21 organisations across the Bradford district have received capital grants from our £3m Cultural Capital Fund. The successful organisations are receiving funding to deliver projects that will increase the cultural infrastructure and enable more people – Bradford residents and visitors, to access and participate in cultural activities during 2025 and beyond.  

The projects focus on the regeneration of existing community and cultural spaces, as well as the introduction of new and sustainable extensions to community organisations, will provide a range of physical environments for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage and interact with cultural activities. 

Made possible thanks to funding from City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Cultural Capital Fund will support a wide range of regenerative projects across the district, such as: 

£300,000 The Mustafa Mount Art & Culture Centre, a section of the former University Management Centre, will be refurbished to develop a permanent and sustainable gallery that celebrates art and culture projects year-round, inspired by collections from history, globally and Bradford residents. 

£280,000 for African Caribbean Achievement Project African Caribbean Achievement Project will renovate and transform their existing community centre into a dynamic Arts and Culture Centre in the heart of Bradford. The Centre will function as an engaging cultural hub, offering space for activities and events in music, dance, visual and digital arts, drama, and storytelling. With an education focus, it will not only provide the community with opportunities to learn and grow artistically, but it also intends to serve as a testament to Bradford’s shared heritage, instilling a sense of pride and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity in the arts. 

£50,000 for Bloomin’ Buds The grant secured by Bloomin’ Buds will allow the organisation to professionally kit out the performance space at The Rockwell Centre in Thorpe Edge, transforming the existing venue to provide a quality arts venue experience for the local area. The funds will be invested in fixed lighting rigs, moveable raked seating, sound systems, blackout screens and other technical equipment that will enrich the experience for both performers and audiences. 

£10,000 for Mind The Gap MTG Studios, Mind the Gap’s Manningham base will benefit from an upgraded lighting desk, bespoke purpose-built box office unit, the installation of a new Hearing Loop system, new external signage, and the installation of a tannoy system for public announcements. The venue will be better equipped for public-facing events in response to the demand for greater studio space within the district. 

£10,000 for Ilkley Playhouse Ilkley Playhouse will use funds to modernise their main passenger lift which provides access to the venue from street level to the Box Office and coffee bar, and above to the main Wharfeside Theatre. The lift modernisation project will support the venue in maintaining access for all to the venue.

The 21 organisations receiving funding from the Cultural Capital Fund are:  

• African Caribbean Achievement Programme, Bradford  
• All Star Entertainment, Bradford  
• Bingley Arts Centre 
• Bloomin’ Buds, Bradford  
• Bradford Stories 
• Brontë Birthplace Limited, Thornton   
• Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth  
• Connecting Roma CIC, Bradford 
• Displace Yourself Theatre, Shipley  
• East Street Arts – Keighley Creative 
• Fayakunu CIC, Bradford 
• Greensville Trust, Bradford 
• Hive Arts, Shipley 
• Ilkley Playhouse 
• Lidget Green Healthy Living Centre, Bradford 
• Mind The Gap, Manningham  
• Peace Museum, Bradford
• Salt Foundation Victoria Hall, Saltaire
• Silsden Town Hall, Keighley
• St Clements Church, Bradford
• The 1 in 12 Club, Bradford 

“The Cultural Capital Fund is a great example of our ambition to increase investment in the cultural infrastructure within the Bradford district, giving residents and visitors alike greater opportunity to experience the arts, culture and creativity during 2025 and beyond. There was an overwhelming response to the grant fund, with applications far exceeding the funding available, highlighting how determined venues are to improve their facilities ahead of Bradford 2025. I’m looking forward to seeing the projects begin in the coming months, demonstrating a key milestone in our preparations for Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.” Dan Bates, Executive Director at Bradford 2025