£3.5m Funding Secured to Support Bradford’s Cultural Legacy

Investment aims to sustain cultural activities following Bradford’s City of Culture year

Bradford has secured over £3.5 million in funding from several national organisations to support the continuation of cultural events and initiatives across the district. This investment builds on the momentum generated by Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture in 2025, aiming to maintain and expand opportunities for local communities.

Funding sources and allocation

The funding comes from multiple bodies, including Arts Council England through the National Lottery Project Grant: Place Partnership fund, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and The National Lottery Community Fund. The combined investment will support a range of cultural programmes and infrastructure projects throughout 2026 and beyond.

Key areas of support

• Delivery of cultural events targeting children and families across the Bradford district during the summer months.
• The return of the Bradford Festival, an outdoor arts event held in the city centre.
• Operation of The Beacon, a pop-up community venue.
• Support for Saltaire’s Peace Museum, including vital works funded by DCMS.
• Commissioning of national and international artists to create and present new works in Bradford.
• Continuation of the Our Patch programme, which improves access to heritage and culture for community organisations.
• Development of leadership skills among young people through Bradford Culture Company’s Youth Panel.
• Embedding free place-based cultural learning resources provided by Bradford Made into schools and other educational settings.
• Investment in a new city centre venue, Loading Bay.

Background and impact of Bradford 2025

Bradford 2025 was a year-long cultural programme celebrating the city and district, featuring over 5,000 events attended by an estimated three million people. The programme included activities across the city, towns, villages, and green spaces, attracting audiences from all 30 wards of the district, the UK, and internationally.

The year-long initiative focused on cultural programming, artist development, education, and capital investments, with the intention of creating lasting social and economic benefits for the area.

Statements from key figures

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said the early commitment of major grant funders to the cultural legacy was encouraging and would enable the district to continue hosting quality cultural events.

Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford Culture Company, described the funding as a demonstration of long-term commitment from partner organisations, allowing the company to build on the achievements of 2025 and offer more opportunities to local people.

Pete Massey, Director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Arts Council England, highlighted the £1.5 million National Lottery Project Grant awarded to Bradford Culture Company for the Place Partnership project, emphasising its role in securing the legacy of Bradford 2025 and supporting creative careers within the district.

Phil Chamberlain, England Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, noted the additional £200,000 investment to extend the Our Patch programme, which offers community-based cultural activities such as calligraphy workshops and boxing-inspired lessons, aiming to celebrate culture beyond traditional venues.

Further information

These investments form part of Bradford Council’s legacy plan announced in December 2025, which includes ongoing support for Bradford Culture Company to continue producing cultural events, attracting national partners, and securing further funding.