A FRESH wave of creative projects is set to launch across the district.
Backed by the Creative Communities Legacy Fund, the schemes aim to unite women, children, and families through music, crafts, storytelling, filmmaking, and spoken word.
The new projects build on momentum from Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture and are supported by Bradford Culture Company and GiveBradford, in partnership with Pears Foundation.
One of the organisations taking part is The Good Shepherd Centre, which will deliver a year-long cultural programme for 40 boys aged nine to 15 from Eastern European backgrounds as part of its Roma Voices: Celebrating Heritage, Creativity and Community project.
Sessions will explore Roma heritage through music, storytelling, cooking, art and filmmaking.
A spokesperson for The Good Shepherd Centre said: "The Good Shepherd Centre has supported the Roma community for over 15 years, and we feel this community has not always been represented or had the opportunity to showcase its culture in Keighley.
"Roma people have so much creativity, heritage and talent to share, and we want to help create a platform where their voices can be heard, their culture celebrated and their contribution to our town recognised."
Creative Communities recipients (Image: Yorkshire Women's Forum)
Impact Women Network CIC, another recipient, will run creative workshops for immigrant and ethnically diverse women exploring themes of identity, heritage, and migration.
The spokesperson added: "Being selected will help Impact Women Network CIC create more safe and welcoming spaces where women and families can grow in confidence, improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and build lasting connections.
"It celebrates Bradford’s diversity and gives more people a voice in shaping positive change."
The Muslim Women’s Council will launch Sounds for the Soul, a nasheed-based project that uses music and storytelling to bring together women who face isolation or limited access to creative outlets.
A spokesperson for the council said: "We are delighted to be selected for the Creative Communities Legacy Fund.
"This support will enable Sounds for the Soul to continue bringing women together through nasheed, creativity and faith, creating a welcoming space for connection and expression."
The Yorkshire Women’s Forum CIC will run a series of Creative Culture Café events, offering women a space to relax and connect through art, crafts, and conversation.
Fozia Naseem, philanthropy and partnerships manager at GiveBradford, said: "One of the best things to come out of Bradford 2025 was seeing communities across the district use creativity to bring people together, celebrate who they are and tell their stories.
"It's great to see that momentum continuing through these projects."