The first events in the programme for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture have been announced.
… UK City of Culture will highlight Bradford as a forward-looking city of change…
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture writes:
… Taking place across the district throughout 2025, the programme will celebrate contemporary culture in all forms and showcase the rich history and heritage of the area. Events, performances and activities will spread from the city to the towns, villages and green spaces across the district, running from January to December 2025.
From the UK’s first free school meals, a City of Sanctuary and home to the UK’s only Peace Museum, the UK City of Culture will highlight Bradford as a forward-looking city of change. Bradford is one of the youngest cities in the UK, with over a quarter of the population under the age of 20 and has one of the most diverse communities in the UK. As well as celebrating a host of Bradford-born artists, writers, musicians, performers and local cultural organisations, the year-long programme also welcomes national and international partners to this extraordinary year. Bradford residents will be involved in many of the performances and activities, telling stories about their city and district. Many elements of the programme will be free….
Shanaz Gulzar, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Creative Director said: ‘I am delighted to announce the?first events in the programme for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture,?which showcase the exceptionally rich, diverse talent that Bradford holds. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate our extraordinary cultural heritage, and for our young population to become leaders and changemakers, starting a new chapter in the story of Bradford.’
Bradford 2025 will transform the district through arts and culture to fuel a creative, social, and economic renaissance. It will cement Bradford’s reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the UK where artists, producers, audiences and creative entrepreneurs can flourish. The UK City of Culture programme includes the regeneration of existing community and cultural spaces, as well as the introduction of new and sustainable extensions to community organisations. The programme will have a lifelong impact through its reshaping of the local curriculum, skills and training programmes and investment in existing and new creative spaces.
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is supported using public investment from HM Government, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and through National Lottery funding from Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Spirit of 2012 as well as private investment and donations from a number of trusts, foundations and corporate sponsors.
