One year on

Today marks one year on since Bradford won the title of UK City of Culture 2025 – a defining moment for our district. Preparations for the our year in the international spotlight are well underway and we’re excited to announce new investment in venues, communities and creative projects. 

Venues in Bradford can benefit from a new £3m cultural capital fund – designed to make the district’s venues more welcoming and accessible. 

With funding from Bradford Council, we’ll be delivering two grant schemes: small scale of up to £5,000 each and larger scale for a minimum of £50,000. This investment will help venues to improve access and facilities for local people and the millions of visitors anticipated for Bradford 2025.

We’re launching an exciting architectural competition to create a temporary touring performance venue in collaboration with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Designers and architects from Bradford and around the world will be able to submit ideas and concepts for a new temporary performance structure – reimagining our parks and public spaces as settings for ambitious performance. The submission form will be open next week with a view to appointment in autumn 2023. 

We’re also excited to annouce that GiveBradford has been appointed as official grant making partner for Bradford 2025. The new partnership will support people to create work, run events and access our programme. 

Inspired by the theme City of the World, the new partnership programme will kick start in early 2024, significantly increasing access to cultural activities.

“We may be 18 months away from the official start of our City of Culture year but we started work the day after we were announced, and the work to lay the foundations and deliver a show-stopping year is well underway.”
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025

“We want our year as UK City of Culture to create a lasting and positive impact on the people, artists and organisations across Bradford district. We are committed to ensuring the legacy of the year is felt in and across all our distinctive local communities.”
Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025

“The energy and partnership working we’ve seen so far is phenomenal. We are looking forward to continuing the collaborations with creators, communities, and stakeholders over the next 18 months”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council

“With an average population of under 37 years, the lowest in West Yorkshire, Bradford is really coming of age in 2025. It’s terrific to be partnering with the Bradford 2025 team on building a legacy and creating opportunities for all, well beyond the year itself”
Kate Hainsworth, CEO of GiveBradford