New team members

We’re thrilled to annouce four new recruits to team Bradford 2025.

Joining as Executive Producer is Bradford-based creative programmer and producer Jenny Harris, who has more than 25 years of expertise in producing international and multi-disciplinary cultural events. She will oversee the delivery of a range of new artistic commissions, partnerships and events.

Harris’ previous roles include executive producer of the New Music Biennial; executive producer of Yorkshire’s Cultural Olympiad programme and almost a decade as executive producer of Bradford-based 509 Arts.

Bradford 2025 volunteer programme has also been boosted by the recruitment of Volunteer Programme Leads Irene Mirza and John Strawson-Rooney and Volunteer Engagement and Inclusion Officer Georgie Jessop.

“I’m really excited to start work alongside Shanaz Gulzar and the rest of the team to develop and deliver the programme for Bradford 2025.  There are so many great events and projects in the pipeline that I’m looking forward to working on and that I know people in Bradford will love. Bradford is my home city – I was born and brought up here and have called it home for most of my life – it’s where I played out, played in bands, saw great arts and culture when I was growing up and where I’m now bringing up my own children. I think we have a lot to offer the rest of the UK in terms of the way we do things in the district, and it’s time to share a bigger story of Bradford with the world.” Jenny Harris, Executive Producer, Bradford 2025 

“The countdown is on. There are just two short years until we deliver a once in a generation celebration of Bradford district so it is vital that we have a strong team working together to deliver what was promised in the bid. In welcoming Jenny, Irene, John and Georgie onto the team we are also bringing their extensive knowledge and expertise of the district, the existing cultural landscape not to mention their passion and enthusiasm for making Bradford 2025 a year to be proud of. I look forward to working alongside them to make this happen.” Dan Bates, Executive Director, Bradford 2025