04-04-2025
Bradford gains special Cultural City of Sanctuary designation
Bradford has been named the first-ever Cultural City of Sanctuary.
The special title, delivered by the Bradford Culture Company, is intended to reflect the role that people seeking sanctuary - refugees and asylum seekers, as well as people seeking other forms of protection - play in Bradford's culture.
The accolade was announced at an event with Bradford Friendship Choir, many of whose singers are refugees and sanctuary seekers from countries in the Middle East, Africa, and elsewhere.
The choir was a key part of the Bradford 2025 opening event, RISE, in January.
Bradford 2025 has also announced a formal partnership with Stand & Be Counted, billed as the UK's first Theatre Company of Sanctuary.
Planned initiatives include creation of routes into volunteering; distribution of tickets; weekly creative sessions for people seeking sanctuary; developing "creative engagement activity to work alongside Basel Zaraa's artwork inspired by The Moomins and the Great Flood"; and working with Displace Yourself Theatre on providing trauma-informed practice training for team members.
Rhiannon Hannon, director of creative engagement at Bradford 2025, said: "Our ambition for the City of Culture is not just to celebrate Bradford's creativity but also to ensure that people seeking sanctuary have equal access to the programme's opportunities, and this designation highlights that.
"Furthermore, we are pleased to partner with Stand & Be Counted, who bring expertise in working with people seeking sanctuary and can guide us in making sure the year's programme and activities are a truly inclusive celebration of our district."
Rosie MacPherson, artistic director and joint CEO of Stand & Be Counted, added: "We're so thrilled that Bradford will be the first Cultural City of Sanctuary.
"It's an important moment to stand with people seeking sanctuary, and it's a great symbol of positivity and welcome.
"Stand & Be Counted have been working in Bradford for many years, and we know this milestone and work across lots of incredible organisations will have a huge impact on people seeking sanctuary being seen, supported, and involved in all of the incredible productions and programmes in Bradford across 2025 and beyond."
With the announcement of Bradford's status as Cultural City of Sanctuary, Bradford 2025 has released a film which contains testimonials from groups including Bradford Friendship Choir, HALE (Health Action Local Engagement), and The Peace Museum; it is the first of a planned series of films spotlighting distinct aspects of Bradford culture and identity, to be released throughout the year.
