City of Culture: Team unveiled to lead Bradford's bid

That was the rallying cry from business leader Dave Baldwin at the launch of Bradford’s bid to be City of Culture 2025.

Civic and business figures joined artists, musicians, film-makers, museum and gallery chiefs and others involved in Bradford’s cultural life for yesterday’s launch. People across the district were urged to back the bid by getting involved with a social media drive (visit bradford2025.bid).

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Guests at Kala Sangam Arts Centre learned how Hull benefited from its 2017 City of Culture title; more than 50 per cent of businesses felt it contributed to increased turnover, and it added at least £22m gross value to local economy.

Average hotel occupancy rose by 10.5 per cent, there was at least a £300 million projected value of tourism in 2017 and a 346 per cent increase in successful applications from Hull organisations to Arts Council England.

A steering committee has been unveiled to lead Bradford’s bid.

Chaired by Mary Dowson of Bradford Community Broadcasting, it comprises:

• Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe
• Kamran Rashid of Bradford arts hub 30 Chapel Street
• Rosie Freeman, co-director of Brickbox and Bradford Cultural Voice
• Artist Nabeelah Hafeez
• Eleanor Clyde-Evans, Associate Director (Engagement, Alumni and Development) at the University of Bradford
• Alex Croft, creative director of Kala Sangam
• Syima Aslam, director of Bradford Literature Festival
• Alan Dix, artistic director of 509 Arts
• Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum
• Dave Baldwin, chair of Bradford Economic Partnership
• Anne McNeil, director of Impressions Gallery
• Kitty Wright, executive director of the Bronte Parsonage Museum

Dave Baldwin said the bid needed ‘Bradfordcates’: “We hide our assets in Bradford but we have to start bragging. Look at the social impact of Hull’s bid. We’ve stopped apologising for ourselves, now we’re starting to see a turnaround, in areas like employability.

"We need Bradfordcates to get behind this bid, let’s make sure that anything we do, we have our noses pointed in the right direction.”

David Baldwin urges people to be “Bradfordcates”

Cllr Hinchcliffe said Bradford’s success in attracting over £3 million Arts Council England funding Creative People and Places showed the district’s strength. She added: “We want everyone to shout about this bid from the rooftops. We have to speak positively about ourselves.”

Mary Dowson said: “Today marks the start of a two-year journey that galvanises the district. If we get this right it could be transformational for Bradford district.”

Kamran Rashid urged Bradfordians to “put our chin up, chest out, shoulders back and win this!” He added: “As a young South Asian man, born in this city, I can feel its energy. Bradford is creating conditions for success.”

I’ve seen a real shift in Bradford. Confidence levels have changed. Now is the right time for this bid... It’s time to show not just the region and the UK but the world what we have" - Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum

Anne McNeil is from Glasgow, which was European Capital of Culture in 1990. “I saw what culture, art, innovation can do for a city,” she said. “When we win the bid in 2025 we’re going to rock it!”

Kitty Wright said: “Some of our cultural gems are outside the city centre – the Bronte Parsonage, Salts Mill, Ilkley Literature Festival, South Square Gallery. We are all Bradford – diverse, creative, innovative. This bid will have enormous benefits for people in the wider district.”

Eleanor Barrett, co-director of Brickbox, which is backing the bid

Jo Quinton-Tulloch said: “During the seven years I’ve been here I’ve seen a real shift in Bradford. Confidence levels have changed. Now is the right time for this bid. Bradford is home to amazing museums and galleries with collections of national and international significance. It’s time to show not just the region and the UK but the world what we have.”

Eleanor Clyde-Evans said: “This is about enabling culture and the arts to give a voice to communities. We feel we have a strong voice and a role to showcase the city’s cultural heritage.”

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