Bradford 2025: ‘The city’s diversity and generosity of spirit are extraordinary’
Born and raised in nearby Keighley, Shanaz Gulzar drew on her local knowledge and visual arts background for her Bradford 2025 role. Photograph by Tim Smith courtesy of Shanaz Gulzar
Creative director Shanaz Gulzar on building a UK City of Culture and rewriting Bradford’s narrative
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Since Bradford’s successful bid in 2020 to become this year’s UK City of Culture, artist and film-maker Shanaz Gulzar has been spearheading the curation of a diverse array of events and initiatives for the year-long celebration.
“It’s a privilege and a joy to bring all the skills and experience I’ve gained throughout my career to this role,” she says of her job as creative director of Bradford 2025.
Born and raised in Keighley, a town just outside Bradford, Gulzar studied fine art at Leeds Metropolitan University in the early 1990s and has gone on to work on a range of film and visual arts. The decision to become an artist was a bold choice for a young, South Asian Muslim woman from a small northern mill town. “Back then I told my family I wanted to make art and creativity central to Bradford, and now I’m in a position to do exactly that,” she says.
The year-long programme consists of film screenings, music festivals and many art exhibitions, including Memories of the Future, a major dance project with the Akram Khan Company, and the annual Bradford literature festival.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How are you feeling about the year so far?
It’s been a brilliant start. We began with three sold-out shows, including both nights of our opening ceremony, Rise, which brought together people from all over the north and beyond. Although it was one of the coldest weekends in 15 years, people showed up. It goes to show that culture matters.
It’s been brilliant to see the National Science and Media Museum reopen with an exhibition of David Hockney’s work, and to launch major projects like Draw!, inspired by Hockney’s quote, “The world is beautiful if you look at it.” Additionally, we opened Fighting to Be Heard, a collaboration with Tasif Khan’s boxing academy, the British Library and Cartwright Hall.
What do you love about Bradford?
Honestly, it’s the people. Bradford’s diversity and generosity of spirit are extraordinary. There’s also a richness in its culture, creativity, landscape and architecture. Just looking out of our office window, there’s so much beauty to take in. The warmth and humanity of this place are what make it truly special.
How has your background as an artist informed your approach to the role?
I’ve always loved and understood artists because I am one. I get their passion, commitment, and attachment to ideas, people and places. This perspective helps me create an environment where they can thrive, take risks and produce their best work. Working with my co-leader Dan Bates, we’ve built a team that makes it possible for Bradford’s artists to grow and be seen. Combining an artist’s creativity with a producer’s practicality has been invaluable in my role.
How are you incorporating faith and spirituality into Bradford 2025?
We’re celebrating inclusivity. At Rise, we featured the brilliant spoken-word poet Nabeela Ahmed, whose multilingual performance included English, Urdu and Pahari, exploring spirituality in a way that resonated widely.
Projects like Fighting to Be Heard also bring faith into focus. We collaborated with young Muslim men who engaged with ancient Quranic manuscripts and Urdu poetry texts at the British Library. One participant was moved to tears, highlighting the power of reconnecting with heritage. Another upcoming project during Ramadan will showcase the beauty and inclusivity of Islam. Through these initiatives, we’re breaking misconceptions and demonstrating that Islam is a progressive, spiritual and inclusive faith.
There’s been talk about rewriting Bradford’s narrative. What does that mean to you?
Bradford has faced a negative lens for decades, which has hindered investment and opportunity. Rewriting the narrative means showcasing its vibrancy, drive and innovation. For example, being named one of the top 25 places to visit in the UK this year is a step in the right direction. It’s about celebrating Bradford’s potential and ensuring its stories reflect its true identity.
What steps are you taking to ensure the legacy of Bradford 2025?
We’re working closely with different organisations and partners across Bradford and the UK to create sustainable opportunities. This includes significant investment in cultural infrastructure like the National Science and Media Museum, the Peace Museum, the Brontë Parsonage Museum, and a community centre in Shipley.
But legacy isn’t just about physical spaces — it’s a mindset shift. We want Bradfordians to feel confident in their creativity and skills, seeking opportunities instead of waiting for them.
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