Bradford to Host Conference on Place-Based Cultural Collaboration

Exploring the future of arts and culture in Bradford

A one-day conference titled Connecting Culture: The Bradford Way will take place to examine the role of place-based collaboration in the arts and culture sector. The event aims to bring together a wide range of participants from Bradford and beyond, including artists, freelancers, producers, funders, policymakers, and cultural leaders.

Conference themes and programme

The conference will focus on several key themes throughout the day:

• Learning and Looking Forward: Discussions will reflect on how Bradford’s collaborative approach contributed to securing and delivering the UK City of Culture 2025. This segment will include early findings from the Bradford 2025 evaluation, new research, and a sector needs analysis conducted by The Bradford Way.
• Connecting Culture: A hub for networking and exchange, featuring opportunity boards, spaces for connection, and a live broadcast with BCB Radio to extend the conversation across the district.
• The Bradford Way: Presentations of stories highlighting collaboration and creativity in Bradford, including 10-minute tales about ‘Bradfordness’, projects that support the local creative ecology, and case studies from The Bradford Way partnership.
• Art and Culture: The event will begin and end with creative activities, emphasising the central role of art throughout the day.

Purpose and future outlook

The conference is intended to unite the arts and culture sector and contribute to shaping Bradford District’s creative future beyond its UK City of Culture 2025 year. It will explore how collaborative, place-based working supports sector stability and raises local ambitions for arts and culture development.

Speakers and additional activities

The full programme is expected to be announced in February 2026. It will include an introductory plenary session featuring:

• Dan Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025
• Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025
• Pete Massey, Director for Northern Economy and Partnerships at Arts Council England

These speakers will reflect on the collaborative spirit that underpinned Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 legacy. Delegates will also have access to one-to-one sessions with potential funders and curated screenings by the Yorkshire Film Archive.

Who should attend

• Creatives, freelancers, and arts and culture organisations
• National policymakers and culture funders
• Representatives from towns and cities involved in cultural planning and placemaking
• Anyone interested in the role of culture in driving change and raising local creative ambition

Further details and booking information will be available on The Leap’s website.