Bradford College was the first stop on a cultural tour of the city made by a group of special visitors.
Prominent cultural leaders and regional stakeholders met as part of the ‘Northern Culture Untapped Inquiry’ – a major project to examine and maximise the North of England’s cultural sector.
Launched in late 2025 by the Northern Culture All-Party Parliamentary Group (NCAPPG), the Inquiry is assessing the huge contribution that the North’s cultural capital makes to the UK economy, hearing views, and seeing how investment in culture delivers lasting social and economic benefits.
The visit to the UK’s 2025 City of Culture is the group’s latest Northern fact-finding mission, gathering evidence and seeing first-hand the impact that cultural capital has had on places like Bradford and the skills it has to offer. Attendees included representatives from organisations as diverse as National Lottery Heritage Fund, VisitEngland, and Arts Council of England to Thackray Museum of Medicine, University of Leeds, Devo Agency, and Lancashire County Council.
The group headed to Bradford College to see the brand-new Producing Academy in action, which boasts in-house podcasting, TV, and music studios, make-up studios, and fashion and textiles rooms. Bradford College is paving the way as a creative development powerhouse, breaking down barriers for all students and retaining talent in the North.
After spending time with these inspiring young creatives and the workforce of tomorrow, the Inquiry team then moved on to the National Science and Media Museum. The group viewed some of the 500+ exhibits and the new Sound and Vision Gallery, before having lunch and commencing an oral evidence session at Bradford Arts Centre.
The discussion focussed on how best to tap into Northern culture, skills and the talent pipeline, and ways in which devolved budgets can be a catalyst for regeneration, innovation, and community pride. The panel of cultural leaders and regional stakeholders then gave opening statements and explored what more can be done to unlock investment and maximise the North’s full potential.
Representatives giving evidence included senior leaders from Bradford Council, Guild of Media Arts, English Heritage Fund, Music Mark (UK Association for Music Education), Writers’ Guild, National Trust, Utopia Theatre, The Stitch Company, British Film Institute, Film & TV Charity, and Bradford College.
Sarah Towan, Bradford College Vice Principal – Recruitment & Communications, said: “We were delighted to contribute to this Inquiry and highlight how our outstanding facilities and talented students are making a real impact across the region. Bradford 2025: UK City of Culture has
demonstrated to the world how devolved investment can strengthen cultural assets, grow skills pipelines, drive economic growth, and reinforce regional identity. It is therefore vital that we continue making the case for the North — a region too often overlooked and undervalued, yet one with enormous, untapped potential and a wealth of talent.”
The next Northern Culture Untapped Inquiry oral evidence session will be on Monday 23rd March in Parliament and will focus on whether it is time to “re-imagine how we “do” culture.” The Inquiry is set to report its findings in Spring 2026.
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