THE University of Bradford has given four local figures honorary degrees after a series of interviews shared in its UNIfy Festival.

The graduates were interviewed by acclaimed artist and photographer Ian Beesley, in a series called ‘Conversations with…’, and include Perry Austin-Clarke, who was the editor of the Telegraph & Argus for 25 years, and Syima Aslam, founder and director of Bradford Literature Festival. Alan Dix, the artistic director of Bradford-based 509 Arts, was also a recipient, as was Bradford-born actor, producer and director Enzo Cilenti.

Mr Austin-Clarke oversaw many high-profile events during his time at the T&A, including the Bradford riots and Bradford City’s promotion to the Premier League. He was editor during a period of unprecedented change in the newspaper industry, and when he left, the T&A had a monthly audience of over one million - making it one of the biggest regional newspaper sites in the country. He also helped raise millions of pounds for charity, bought Bradford Royal Infirmary’s first MRI scanner and raised £90,000 for the Pakistan Earthquake Appeal.

Mr Austin-Clarke has since launched and organised the Bradford Means Business Awards and the Bradford & District Schools Awards, and in 2020 organised the Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards, recognising young people of South Asian heritage.

“I am extremely proud, honoured and grateful to the University for this award. It’s very humbling to be recognised in this way”, said Mr Austin-Clarke.

“When I moved to Bradford in 1992, I had no idea I would still be here almost 30 years later. But that’s the effect Bradford has on ‘offcumdens’: its people are warm, friendly and generous; its architecture, buildings, culture and history are amazing; and its potential is endless.

“It’s an inspiring place to live and work and its biggest challenge is that too many people who were born and brought up here can’t always see it!

“I know that this award is not just for my 25 years at the T&A, but I worked with many brilliant, committed journalists at the paper through some of the city’s most difficult periods, and I would like to think this is also, in some ways, a tribute to them for their dedication in providing a responsible, reliable and trustworthy news service to the readers throughout that time.”

Syima Aslam founded the Bradford Literature Festival, a key event in the UK cultural calendar and the most diverse literature festival in the country, attracting over 70,000 people each year. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded Professional of the Year at the Yorkshire Asian Business Awards in 2018.

Alan Dix has worked as a theatre director and arts consultant for over 40 years. His company, 509 Arts, works with arts organisations and artists across the UK and abroad.

Enzo Cilenti, born in Bradford to Italian parents, has worked as an actor, producer and director for over 20 years. His TV credits include Game Of Thrones, Luther and Les Misérables, and his film credits include Wonderland, The Martian and Free Fire.

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford, said: “The UNIfy Festival provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our honorary graduates. These four outstanding individuals have all played a major role in developing the cultural sector in Bradford and beyond, and their achievements reflect the core values of our university.”