A Keighley based artist and TV presenter and the man in charge of running Sheffield’s theatres have been picked to deliver Bradford’s 2025 city of culture programme.
Today it has been announced that Shanaz Gulzar, who played a key role in Bradford’s successful City of Culture bid, will be Creative Director of Bradford 2025.
And Dan Bates, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, has been named Executive Director of Bradford 2025.
Shanaz Gulzar is an artist, producer, presenter and former chair of Bradford 2025 –the team set up to secure the title for Bradford. She will lead on creating the cultural programme for the year of culture; working with local, national and international partners to produce a programme of work based on the heritage and character of Bradford district.
Her career spans film, visual arts, theatre, public art and media, and she most recently worked as a producer at Manchester International Festival.
She has also fronted a number of BBC television programmes including ‘Yorkshire Walks’ and the documentary film ‘Hidden Histories: The Lost Portraits of Bradford’.
After the appointment she said: “I’ve been on Bradford’s UK City of Culture journey for more than two years, so to be able to develop it and see it through to delivery itself is a fantastic opportunity and a huge honour. I’m of Bradford, a Keighley lass, and having been part of the cultural community here for over 25 years, I know the passion and potential of the brilliant artists and creative communities in the district.
"I will be drawing on my years at MIF, producing events and experiences that have an international outlook whilst shining a light on homegrown stories and talent. Our winning bid was shaped by thousands of conversations with our many, diverse communities and our extraordinary young population across the district. I’m thrilled to be working alongside Dan to bring the ambition of our bid to life in our mills, across our hills, in our towns and streets from Haworth to Keighley, Bingley to Bradford city centre.
"We’re ready to write a new narrative for the next chapter of Bradford’s story. I can’t wait to get started.”
Dan Bates will be joining Bradford Culture Company – the charitable organisation delivering Bradford 2025 – from his current role as Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres. He has also developed programmes for a number of major cultural institutions including the Theatre Royal in Windsor, West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and York Theatre Royal.
He will lead on the recruitment of wider delivery team – with roles in marketing, financial management, HR and administration being recruited over the coming months.
He said: “When I heard that Bradford had won the title of UK City of Culture 2025, I was so excited for what an opportunity a year of culture can bring to the district and its people. I am even more so now to deliver this for the district, alongside working with Shanaz and can’t wait to get to work.
"Throughout the recruitment process and my many visits, it has been wonderful to meet the people behind the bid, to hear their stories and their passion, and it is a real honour to work alongside the many partners, supporters and sponsors who have already pledged their support. I’m also thrilled about the opportunities we will create for young people to develop their skills and to have lasting careers in creativity and culture way beyond 2025.”
Bradford beat 20 other locations in the UK for the 2025 City of Culture title. The district received £275,000 in initial seed funding from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to begin preparations.
Leader of Bradford Council Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Shanaz and Dan are going to be a great team to lead on the delivery of Bradford’s UK City of Culture programme. We look forward to working with and supporting them to deliver a transformational year of culture that will also generate many opportunities in employment, inward investment and enhanced skills for people across the district.
"Shanaz was the Chair of the winning City of Culture bid team and as a local Keighley lass has already done us proud. She is absolutely rooted in the cultural community here – and there’s no one with more passion about the creative potential of this district. She also brings phenomenal knowledge of the best upcoming national and international talent. This, combined with Dan’s track record and expertise in leading artistic teams to develop acclaimed new work, working with partners and stakeholders, national and international touring, will enable Bradford to deliver an excellent year of culture which the country can be proud of.”
Kersten England, Chief Executive of Bradford Council, added: “We have a unique opportunity here to build on what other cities of cultures have delivered and show the UK the potential and abundance of talent a place like Bradford district has. I know Shanaz and Dan will deliver an incredible year with spectacular moments and ensure we have a long-lasting legacy beyond 2025.”
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