AN initiative has been launched to connect artists from the district with their peers across the world.

The venture will pave the way for global collaborations ahead of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Fifteen artists from the Bradford district and 15 from outside the UK are being recruited as part of the British Council-funded International Artist Exchange Programme.

The scheme will be delivered online between January and March next year.

Behind the programme are the district's UK City of Culture organising team and Bradford Producing Hub.

Jenny Harris, head of producing at Bradford 2025, says: "We are excited to launch the International Artist Exchange Programme in partnership with the hub.

"The programme, which has been months in the making, is a key milestone for us as we continue to devise and launch creative sector opportunities with our cultural capacity partner, Bradford Producing Hub.

"As a UK City of Culture, one of our objectives is to showcase and strengthen the local arts and cultural sector, and the International Artist Exchange Programme is one way that we are creating opportunities for local artists which will lead to greater global collaboration. I’m looking forward to seeing the relationships and opportunities that develop over the coming months."

Lisa Mallaghan, director of Bradford Producing Hub, said the organisation was "thrilled" to be involved.

She added: "This exciting artist exchange will not only connect Bradford-district artists to a new international community of creatives, but also highlight Bradford as a thriving cultural city.

"We hope the programme will give artists the confidence and knowledge to take their work to new global audiences."

Skinder Hundal, global director of arts at the British Council, says: "Artists and creatives go on journeys, literally and metaphorically, going to places others might not and bringing insight and expression back with them.

"We are delighted to support an initiative that connects artists in Bradford district to their peers around the world, supporting mutually beneficial exchanges of skills, expertise and insight.

"Art matters – it gives us a way to express ourselves and our values and to share those with others. This initiative also supports the development and growth of Bradford as an emerging creative hub."

Further information about the programme can be found at bdproducinghub.co.uk/bph-x-bd25-international-artist-exchange.

Also, an online information session is being held on Tuesday, November 21, at 3pm.

Applications to join the programme are open until 11pm on Thursday, November 30.