With 34 per cent of the population under the age of 25, Bradford's 2025 UK City Of Culture year is putting young people at its centre, with an apprenticeship programme, youth panel, young creatives and a young people's members scheme for 16 to 25-year-olds, which will offer access to discounted tickets, behind the scenes visits, masterclasses, curated talks and tours.
Creative director Shanaz Gulzar, and Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our young population to become leaders and chang-emakers, starting a new chapter in the story of Bradford.
"We are ensuring a legacy for this pivotal year, addressing the inequalities our district and sector face, and providing opportunities for employment, long-term and meaningful transferable skills.”
Young Creatives will offer paid, 16-month placements to 10 young people from under-represented backgrounds, spanning various departments within the Bradford 2025 team and partners, including local cultural organisations like the Bronte Parsonage Museum, Dance United Yorkshire and the National Science and Media Museum. In addition to hands-on experience, participants will work toward a Level 4 professional diploma in creative enterprise, supported by Bradford School of Art.
The apprenticeship programme is designed to equip young people with the qualifications they need to thrive in creative industries. With the help of Access Industry, nine apprentices will gain skills in business administration, marketing and cultural learning. These apprenticeships can open doors to specialised careers.
The Youth Panel will give 17 young people from diverse backgrounds a say in the future of the district’s cultural scene. The group will meet regularly with Bradford 2025 to ensure youth perspectives are represented at upper levels of planning.
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture will run throughout next year across the city and nearby towns and villages.
More information on Bradford 2025’s learning, training and engagement programmes here,
Sign up for the Youth Pass here.