5 Jan 2025 ● Chris Eccles
UK City of Culture Status To Create 6,500 Jobs In Bradford
As Bradford prepares for an exciting year as the UK City of Culture in 2025, students in the area can look forward to a wealth of job opportunities and economic growth.
The initiative is expected to create 6,500 new full and part time jobs in Bradford, significantly enhancing employment prospects for young people in the area over the course of the year.
The UK government has committed £5 million in funding, raising the total support for Bradford's cultural programme to £15 million.
The investment aims to foster economic growth and support the Bradford Culture Company in delivering a diverse range of events throughout the year. The funding will also contribute to the development of key venues, including The Beacon, which will host numerous performances and activities throughout 2025.
In addition to job creation, the City of Culture initiative will provide approximately 6,000 training opportunities, particularly aimed at nurturing the next generation of creatives.
The Bradford Culture Company plans to establish over 20 roles specifically for young people under the age of 25, offering apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme.
These opportunities will allow students and other young people to gain valuable experience working on high-profile cultural events.
Commenting on the news, Bradford 2025’s Executive Director, Dan Bates, said: “By working together with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are not only creating new opportunities but also equipping local people with the skills needed to thrive.”
“This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure and ensure 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,” added Mr Bates.
The Leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe, also commented, saying: “It’s great to see more funding coming from the 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,” said Councillor Hinchcliffe.
Sir Chris Bryant, the Minister of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, welcomed the news, saying:
“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,” added Sir Chris.
Overall, Bradford's year as City of Culture will feature around 1,000 events, showcasing local artists and attracting an estimated 3.3 million visitors. These events are projected to generate nearly £140 million in visitor spending, further stimulating the local economy.
For students seeking work, this uptick in activity across Bradford this year presents numerous opportunities, especially in event management, hospitality and the creative industries.
