Why Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture will be a game changer

University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Condon says Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture will change the city forever and leave a legacy that will boost the economy and show how our University's academic research can benefit the arts and humanities.

The University of Bradford is proud to be a strategic partner of Bradford 2025. We played a key role in the bidding process and for the city to have won the designation is an outstanding achievement. The University will be informing and supporting evaluation of the long-term impact of the year-long celebration. We will also contribute in other ways, including through our own programme of cultural events. 

Bradford 2025 comes at a time when the UK higher education sector faces a serious and deepening financial crisis, particularly because of a real-time fall in income from a static tuition fee that has not risen substantively since 2012. There is an understanding shared by the Government that the funding model for UK undergraduates requires reform, with Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson stating there are “no easy answers or quick fixes.” Only 16% of a university degree is paid for by the Government, yet according to research undertaken by Universities UK, every £1 of which generates £14 in graduate economic activity. The current model is not working for students, universities, or the taxpayer. It is leading to more people questioning whether going to university is right for them. 

So, you might ask, at such a time, why our university should place so much emphasis on Bradford UK City of Culture 2025. The reason is because it is so important. It will transform our future. The UK City of Culture will support the reimagining and regeneration of our wonderfully diverse and culturally rich global city. This is not just a year of attracting visitors but a major stimulus for job creation, skill development, liberating talent, and attracting and retaining businesses. 

This is a pivotal moment. This is the first time a UK City of Culture has covered an entire district. That is significant, because it means no matter where one lives - from Baildon to Bingley, from Wharfedale to Wyke – all Bradfordians can benefit. 

This will also benefit Yorkshire. Creative industries are core to the economic growth needed in our region, as demonstrated by the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s pledge to deliver a Creative New Deal. Bradford 2025 will focus on further enhancing community cohesion, reducing social exclusion and improving health and wellbeing. 

This is a pivotal moment. This is the first time a UK City of Culture has covered an entire district. That is significant, because it means no matter where one lives - from Baildon to Bingley, from Wharfedale to Wyke – all Bradfordians can benefit. 

The University of Bradford is known as a technology university. Our research and innovation are world-leading, in nanomaterials, cancer therapeutics, the application of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, archaeology, pharmacology, satellite communications and more; and yet the culture crosses all these boundaries. This is, in part, why we have been ranked first on the Higher Education Policy Institute’s Social Mobility Index in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Culture is about diversity, experience, inclusion, it is about entrepreneurism and realising dreams. 

Part of the University’s strategic mission is to drive sustainable social and economic development through outstanding teaching, research and innovation. Here is an opportunity to do just that

This week we rose nine places in the Guardian University Guide 2024, thanks in part to our excellence graduate outcomes, which show 94% of UK graduates were in highly skilled work or further education 15 months after graduation. In other words, we know how to deliver transformative experiences.  

Part of the University’s strategic mission is to drive sustainable social and economic development through outstanding teaching, research and innovation. Here is an opportunity to do just that, to apply all our experience and expertise to ensure Bradford 2025 changes this city forever and for the better. 

The University of Bradford has significant strengths in supporting economic growth and social mobility, in working collaboratively with institutions, supplying higher level skills across the region and using applied research to create innovation and enterprise. 

We are and always will be part of a shared culture, promoting science and technology but also the arts and humanities. It is vital therefore that we leverage the opportunities Bradford 2025 presents. The University of Bradford will be there to make a difference and show the true value of higher education, so please come and share these experiences with us, because your support will ultimately ensure success.