Overlooked aspects of Bradford’s history, from the people with learning disabilities who worked in the city’s mills to the impact of Bangladeshi culture, will be explored as part of Bradford’s City of Culture year.
Historic England has announced new funding for four youth-led projects in collaboration with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
The History in the Making programme will give under-represented young people in the district the opportunity to explore and celebrate their local “hidden histories” – finding original ways to commemorate them.
They will work with artists to create information boards and place markers to let others know about their findings.
The programme aims to improve young people’s wellbeing and increase pride in their local area.
Twenty-one grants of up to £15,000, a total of £261,000, will fund projects across the country over the 18 months starting in January.
The projects being funded by Historic England’s History in the Making grant programme in Bradford are:
Summat Creative
This project focusses on the overlooked history of people with learning disabilities who worked in Bradford’s mills in the 19th and early 20th century.
After historical research, young people with learning disabilities will help create a model of a mill and fill it with their own responses to the stories they’ve unearthed.
Manningham Heritage Project – run by BEAP Community Partnership
Young people will explore local Bangladeshi heritage, working with local artists and craftspeople to create place markers that incorporate elements of Bangladeshi culture, art, language and traditions.
Shipley Glen Tramway accessible place marker
Young people with additional needs from across the Bradford district will explore the social history around the oldest cable tramway in Britain, which still takes passengers from Saltaire/Baildon to Shipley Glen. Their findings will create a full accessible, multi-sensory place marker to celebrate these histories.
Shared Stories by Allstar Ents
This will celebrate musical and cultural histories across the district. Young people will conduct interviews and research before creating their own musical and audio responses. These new works will be shared via QR codes around the local area.
Heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “This Government recognises that whilst passion is everywhere, opportunity is not, and we are committed to providing young people with equal chances to develop their skills, regardless of background.
“It’s fantastic to see successful projects in Bradford ahead of their year as UK City of Culture in 2025.”
Ellie Djerir, head of participation programmes at Historic England, said: “I’m thrilled to see four very different projects across Bradford district, all with an emphasis on creativity and local identity.
“These projects help young people to come together, building their sense of pride in their local place and enabling them to gain new skills and confidence. Heritage means something different to every community and I can’t wait to see the creative final place markers produced by these young people.”
Rhiannon Hannon, director of creative engagement at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “The four projects being developed across Bradford District celebrate and reflect less frequently heard stories of Bradford in surprising ways.
“In making them with young people in Bradford. they will deepen their connection to the place they call home, seeing themselves and their heritage on the streets where they live.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places said: “This funding will enable our young people an amazing opportunity to affect how we remember and celebrate our history.
“I am sure they will challenge and excite us with their creative approaches, and I look forward to seeing their work showcased during our UK City of Culture year.”
