CREATIVE talent across the district will be developed through a new partnership in the run up to Bradford's City of Culture year.

Keighley woman Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, says the impact of the initiative could be felt for generations.

She said: "Bradford district is a diverse, passionate and cultural place but it has not always had the support and opportunities to give people confidence that they can have a career in the creative industries long term.

"Bradford 2025 is our chance to change all that.

"Working with Bradford Producing Hub – using its already established networks and skills and supporting it to do so much more – we will grow our creative sector and furnish our producers and artists, musicians and dancers, stage crew and production designers with all they need to properly embed the creative industries in Bradford district for generations."

Over the next three years, Bradford 2025 ­– in conjunction with the hub, which was set up in 2019 to help people access arts careers – will strive to 'upskill' and expand the district's creative workforce.

Development opportunities will be offered to those already working in the arts sector, as well as support being provided for individuals seeking to start out.

There will be skills schemes covering all art forms including theatre, music and visual arts.

Also on offer will be fast-track development programmes, assistance with funding applications and bids, research opportunities and work placements.

The venture is being funded by Bradford 2025 together with various organisations including Bradford Council, the Esmee Fairbairn and Jerwood foundations and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

Lisa Mallahan, project director at Bradford Producing Hub, says: "We want to make the most of the incredible opportunity that UK City of Culture offers our bold and ambitious arts sector.

"This programme is all about developing our creative talent, who until now have lacked access to funding and opportunities to deliver new work of the size and scale we hope to showcase in our City of Culture year.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to reach and engage as many people as possible across Bradford district who are interested in working in, and delivering, cultural projects.

"By helping to grow our creative community, and building skill levels, we will create a sustainable creative sector which will flourish into 2025 and beyond."

For more about the programme, email hello@bdproducinghub.co.uk.