Bradford 2025: Major boost to economic growth

Arts Minister Chris Bryant has announced an additional £5m in funding for Bradford City of Culture 2025. This takes the total amount of government economic support for Bradford’s year to £15m to help the Bradford Culture Company deliver a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration. 

It will also be used in support of the next generation of creatives, with 6,000 training opportunities expected across the district and the creation of 6,500 new jobs as a result of being UK City of Culture. 

This includes opportunities to work in the Bradford Culture Company itself with more than 20 positions dedicated to people under 25 through apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme.

The additional investment will also go towards the development of key venues that will host next year’s events, such as Bradford’s touring venue – The Beacon. It will also provide key equipment for Bradford Theatres, which run one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, St George’s Hall, as well as Alhambra Theatre, The Studio, Kings Hall & Winter Garden, and it will support the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum. 

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “I cannot wait to experience the spectacular programme of cultural delights next year that will tell Bradford’s story to the world, showing off the district’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic talent, from the Brontë sisters and David Hockney to artist Deepa Mann-Kler’s interactive cookbook celebrating Bradford’s best recipes.

 “I am delighted to be able to announce this funding to help make Bradford’s dream a reality and ensure that everyone across the district has the opportunity to get involved in next year’s events, whatever their interests.”

City of Culture status could leverage additional £700m

The year-long City of Culture programme will see some 1,000 events take place, developed alongside and in collaboration with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract an additional 3.3m visitors and bring in a visitor spend of nearly £140m into the local economy over the course of the year. 

It is also estimated that the increased cultural and economic activity as a result the City of Culture status could leverage an extra £700m for the district by 2030.

More than 3,000 volunteers are being recruited, engaging communities and upskilling those wanting to get involved throughout the year. 

Programme highlights include an opening event curated by magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), a year-long celebration of drawing supported by David Hockney and the annual Turner Prize being hosted at Cartwright Hall.

There will also be a re-imagining of the Jungle Book by the Akram Khan dance company, a celebration of the sounds, stories and voices of the South Asian creative underground – Dialled In, visual artworks on display in the moorland that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and a residency with Opera North.

Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025 said: “This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure, and ensuring our creative venues are accessible for all, will leave a lasting impact on generations to come. This investment is helping to shape a brighter, more dynamic future for Bradford and beyond.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council added: “It’s great to see more funding coming from government to support UK City of Culture. We know the programme of events is going to be amazing and residents and visitors alike will have a great experience throughout the year. 

“This latest funding will help to ensure that beyond the great events, our UK City of Culture designation leads to more jobs and economic benefits which will be felt positively for our residents for years after 2025.”