EARLIER this month, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Bradford 2025) announced ways in which they’re empowering local talent and nurturing a vibrant, sustainable cultural sector.
Bradford 2025 is creating new skills and professional opportunities that will leave an enduring impact on the region.
I’m Ayat, an Apprentice Programme and Engagement Assistant at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. I was born and raised in Bradford, in West Bowling. Growing up, I never really had much exposure to creative opportunities, but I always had an interest in the sector. When I came across an Instagram post about Bradford 2025, advertising young opportunities, it felt like it landed at just the right time. I had recently left sixth form and had no idea what I wanted to do next, so this apprenticeship was new and exciting.
At Bradford 2025, there’s a huge focus on giving young people real-life experiences through work placements, apprenticeships, the Young Creatives programme, and our Youth Panel. You don’t need a background in the arts to get involved; they welcome people from all walks of life. That’s what I love about it - it’s for everyone, no matter where you come from or how much experience you have. This month, a new cohort of Young Creatives and Apprentices joined Bradford 2025, and seeing more young people getting involved with our organisation is exciting. We’re all looking forward to 2025
As an apprentice, I get to work across both the Programme and Engagement teams, which means I’m involved in events and community engagement. A typical day might include helping the producers with event admin, attending meetings, checking out venues for upcoming events, or liaising with artists. I love how I get to connect with all kinds of communities - some I’ve grown up in - and others I’m getting to know for the first time. It’s really opened my eyes to how diverse and rich Bradford District’s culture is. My goal is to help highlight underrepresented communities and give them a platform in the world of arts and events.
In September, we announced elements of our programme for 2025 and one project I’m particularly excited about is ‘Meet Our Mothers’. It’s a project that’s really close to my heart - it’s all about creating connections through a cookbook that shares intergenerational recipes and stories from the people of Bradford. It’s going to be such a beautiful way to bring communities together and celebrate the diversity of cultures across the district. I enjoy cooking and think cooking brings people together, so being involved in the project is important to me.
Working at Bradford 2025 has been such a great learning experience for me. I’ve picked up a tonne of skills, but it’s also helped me grow in confidence and connect with people in a way I hadn’t before. I have developed skills such as being able to help with project administration, liaising with artists, research and support for community events and learning how to be accessible and inclusive in community outreach.
As part of my apprenticeship, I am gaining a formal qualification through Access Creative College, which has been really helpful too. It’s equipping me with the tools I need to build a career in the cultural sector, whilst gaining a qualification that will be recognised by future employers.
There’s a lot happening as we get closer to 2025, and I can’t wait for the world to see what Bradford district has to offer. Bradford 2025 is giving young people, like me, the chance to develop their skills and get careers in the industry, which is going to help shape our careers in the future.
The UK City of Culture is a huge deal for Bradford, and I’m really grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to see how this journey continues to unfold!
* Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture will run from January to December 2025 and is a celebration of Bradford city and district, taking place across its city, towns, villages and greenspaces.
It will have a lifelong impact through its reshaping of the local curriculum, skills and training programmes, investment in existing and new creative spaces, and open-up opportunities for cultural participation.
For more information on Bradford 2025’s learning, training and engagement programmes go to bradford2025.co.uk
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