Bradford College Opens New Academy for Creative Skills

New facility aims to support growth in West Yorkshire’s creative industries

Bradford College has officially opened a new academy dedicated to developing skills in the creative sector. The facility, known as The Producing Academy, was inaugurated by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and is intended to provide specialised training across several creative disciplines.

Focus areas and training opportunities

The Producing Academy offers courses in areas including Music Production and Broadcast Media, Digital Storytelling, Fashion and Photography, as well as eSports and Games Development. The aim is to equip students with the skills required to meet both regional and national demand within the creative industries.

Sarah Towan, Vice Principal for Recruitment and Communication at Bradford College, highlighted the academy’s role in bringing together various creative fields under one roof. She noted that the academy is designed to support filmmakers, sound engineers, journalists, content creators, and innovators in digital arts and gaming.

Students enrolled at The Producing Academy will have access to industry mentorship, real-world experience, and opportunities to progress into leading organisations within the creative sector.

Context within West Yorkshire’s creative economy

West Yorkshire’s creative sector is one of the fastest growing in England outside London. It currently contributes approximately £2.2 billion to the regional economy and supports nearly 7,000 creative businesses employing over 100,000 people.

There is a regional plan aiming to expand the creative economy to £4.1 billion by 2035 and create 50,000 new jobs. The opening of The Producing Academy aligns with these ambitions and follows Bradford’s designation as UK City of Culture 2025.

Launch event and future developments

The academy’s launch took place in the David Hockney Building at Bradford College, with attendees from cultural, sports, and entertainment sectors witnessing student activities. Mayor Tracy Brabin commented on the region’s talent and the importance of providing opportunities for creative individuals to develop their potential.

The Producing Academy will operate alongside Bradford College’s existing School of Arts and is expected to complement the BRIT School North, which is scheduled to open in 2026 or 2027.