A KEIGHLEY initiative is among projects across the district sharing in more than £84,000 of culture, arts and heritage grants.

Bradford Council has announced that nine applications for funding – from a total of 32 submissions – were successful, to stage a range of programmes.

One of the schemes will see Keighley Photo Hub team-up with two creatives to transform Cliffe Castle Park's heritage glasshouses.

"The glasshouses will be transformed into a glowing beacon for arts and culture," said a spokesperson.

"They will celebrate plants, light and people from the local community through the use of alternative photographic processes.

"The grants shortlisting panel was blown away with demand, which truly demonstrates the desire to make incredible things happen across the Bradford district."

There will also be multiple events celebrating the Windrush generation and communities. The programme will include workshops, outreach work, radio shows, DJ activities, poetry readings, cooking sessions and storytelling.

Artist Shabina Aslam will create an audio-visual installation, where the audience enters a replica of a 1970s bus. Video, archival sounds and music will be used to recreate a school bus ride.

And the Elevation music and performance group will tell the story of two teenage boys from different cultures who grew-up together in Bradford. It will be performed by emerging rap artists, alongside classical musicians and audio-visual storytelling.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: "It’s exciting to see so much demand for these grants.

"It really shows the rich tapestry of culture in the Bradford district and the passion of our creative and heritage sector to work with – and in – our communities. This reflects that we are growing our cultural ecology, and the demand for the grants demonstrates how important our bid for UK City of Culture 2025 is.

"We are committed to supporting and growing the infrastructure and access to culture. I look forward to seeing what is next for the culture sector in the area."

Bradford district is one of four shortlisted places in the running to be UK City of Culture in 2025.

It is up against County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough.

Judges will visit each finalist in May before announcing their decision at the end of the month.

Lifelong Keighley resident Shanaz Gulzar is chairing the Bradford bid campaign.

For more about the arts, culture and heritage grants from the council visit bradford.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/funding/arts-culture-and-heritage-grants.