Bradford College alumni Atiyya Mirza returned to campus last week to celebrate the launch of the new Producing Academy, and to reflect on the creative journey that began during her BA (Hons) Art and Design degree.
Now a freelance multidisciplinary artist, Atiyya works across film, textiles, photography and mixed media. Just one year after graduating in November 2024, she has already featured in Bradford 2025’s ‘Meet the Artists’ series and exhibited work across the city. “It’s been quite crazy everything that’s happened,” she says. “But it all started here.”
A Flexible Course That Sparked Creative Freedom
Atiyya studied at Bradford College from 2021 to 2024, and says the broad and flexible nature of the Art and Design degree was essential to discovering her creative voice.
“My course was really broad and really flexible, which I loved,” she explains. “I was able to explore textiles, something I’d never had the chance to do before. Being welcomed into the textile and fashion rooms, even though I wasn’t studying those pathways specifically, was amazing.”
Access to specialist facilities made a huge difference. She recalls the “range of machines,” the freedom to experiment, and the supportive studio culture created by her peers and tutors.
“It was great being in a space with other creative students, it felt supportive. And having access to those rooms and equipment really pushed me to experiment and discover what I enjoy.”
Seeing the New Producing Academy for the First Time
During her visit, the multidisciplinary artist, Atiyya toured the new Producing Academy in the Hockney Building, a purpose-built hub for students offering Music Production & Broadcast Media, Digital Storytelling, Fashion & Photography, and eSports & Games Development. Her reaction was immediate and enthusiastic.
“I think the Hockney building itself is a great space, but seeing how the Producing Academy has developed is amazing. It’s open, it’s not overwhelming, and everything is together in a way that makes sense. It gives students so many opportunities to try different mediums and be inspired just by being in the space.”
She believes the Producing Academy will help students push boundaries and embrace creativity in the same way she did during her degree.
“When facilities are right in front of you, it makes you want to use them. It’s inspiring. Spaces like this give you opportunities you might not get anywhere else.”
Her Advice to Future Producing Academy Students
Atiyya encourages new students to embrace experimentation and take full advantage of the Academy’s resources.
“Be experimental and don’t overthink it. Try everything. Explore different avenues because you never know what you’ll fall in love with. I’m glad I did that during my BA, as it shaped my whole practice.”
Growing Creatively While Staying Local
For Atiyya, choosing Bradford College wasn’t just about education, it was about discovering the creative community right on her doorstep.
“Studying Art and Design at Bradford College helped me become prouder of my own city. Before this, I didn’t really explore creativity in Bradford, but the College helped me create connections I still have today. I didn’t have to leave the city to find that, and that means a lot.”
One Word to Describe Bradford College?
Diverse.
“In the best way,” she adds. “The people I was surrounded by, the peers, the community, all reflected the vibrancy of Bradford. It felt like home.”
The Producing Academy is set to open a new chapter for creative students, building on the strengths that shaped alumni like Atiyya and offering even greater opportunities for collaboration, experimentation, and artistic growth.
Click here to find out more about the Producing Academy.
