Connecting Culture: The Bradford Way is a one-day public conference sharing Bradford's model for place-based culture.

Bringing together artists, freelancers, producers, funders, policymakers and cultural leaders from Bradford and beyond, the event programme will explore the following themes:

1. Learning and Looking Forward
   Artists, cultural leaders and policymakers reflect on how Bradford's collaborative spirit secured and delivered the 2025 UK City of Culture. Includes early findings from Bradford 2025 evaluation, new research, and sector needs analysis from The Bradford Way.
2. Connecting Culture
   A day-long hub for networking and exchange. Expect opportunity boards, spaces to connect, and a live broadcast with BCB Radio to extend the conversation across the district.
3. The Bradford Way
   Stories of collaboration and creativity in Bradford. Hear 10-Minute Tales of 'Bradfordness', discover projects strengthening the local creative ecology, and explore case studies from The Bradford Way partnership.
4. Start with Art and Close with Culture
   Art is at the heart of the day, and creativity will open, punctuate and close the event.

This is your chance to connect, learn and be inspired by Bradford's unique approach to culture and explore how these lessons can be applied in your place.

Who is this event for?

• Creatives, freelancers and arts and culture organisations
• National policymakers and culture funders
• Representatives from towns and cities invested in cultural planning and placemaking
• Anyone interested in how culture can drive change and raise local creative ambition

More about The Bradford Way

This long-term partnership is building a sustainable, inclusive and resilient cultural ecosystem - creating opportunities for local creatives, supporting grassroots projects, and laying strong foundations for a thriving cultural future across the Bradford district.