Bradford Producing Hub (Alison McIntyre)
We’re thrilled to be launching our Network Spotlight series for networks across Yorkshire & Humber. Kicking off with the wonderful Bradford Producing Hub (BPH).
Based in Bradford (Yorkshire), they test radical new approaches to producing work, supporting talent, and developing a thriving local arts workforce.
BPH support creatives and arts organisations through various mentoring, networking and funding opportunities (amongst more!), to amplify Bradford’s homegrown talent. We caught up with Alison McIntyre, Bradford Producing Hub’s Visual Arts Instigator, about all things BPH and how they support visual arts sector and artists of all disciplines in the region!
“In my role I listen to and support visual artists and feel privileged to be part of that community as an artist myself. It has impacted my confidence as an artist and given my creative practice new energy and inspiration.”
Please tell us a little bit more about your network in Yorkshire and the Humber, who it supports and why it was established.
Founded in 2019 as a pilot Arts Council England project - Bradford Producing Hub is now an independent arts development organisation here to nurture and support artists and creative companies across the Bradford district. We test radical new approaches to producing work, supporting talent, and developing a thriving local arts workforce.
How does being a part of a network of artists and artworkers impact you and your work?
BPH offers funding, mentoring, training, development, and networking opportunities to platform Bradford as a district that nurtures and celebrates homegrown talent. In my role I listen to and support visual artists and feel privileged to be part of that community as an artist myself. It has impacted my confidence as an artist and given my creative practice new energy and inspiration.
“We are a needs-led organisation so are in continual dialogue with the cultural sector across the Bradford district so that we can respond to what artists need right now.”
What changes would you like to see within the wider visual arts sector in the UK?
There are not enough words to answer this question! More public funding/investment, greater value given to arts education, less hierarchy, wider access from more diverse backgrounds as audiences and artists, free entry to all art galleries, universal basic income to increase opportunity and creative possibilities, community ownership of art spaces etc.
How is the network you’re part of accessible and equitable?
We are a needs-led organisation so are in continual dialogue with the cultural sector across the Bradford district so that we can respond to what artists need right now. We make our opportunities as easy to apply into as possible and offer information sessions and support to apply to anyone who needs it. We make all our events as accessible as possible, and our Empowered programme looks specifically at the barriers and issues for disabled and minority groups with the cultural sector. We also offer access costs and bursaries to the majority of our events and programmes.
Do you have any international reach/dimension?
Yes, we recently partnered with Bradford 2025 on an online international artist development programme, funded by the British Council, that connected Bradford and international artists through a set of online workshop-style sessions, Go and See opportunities and international inspiration sessions with artists and companies currently immersed in international work. We are continuing to explore international partnerships and opportunities.
Have you got any projects, events or opportunities coming up you’d like to share?
Visual Artists Association Membership Ballot
Our next Visual Arts Social is in September (from when writing this) – date and venue TBC
Visual Art Crits programme – details TBC (check back before publication as we may have more details by then).
New opportunities and events are always coming up so always check our website for details
If someone were interested in getting involved or joining your community, what would you recommend they do?
Email us or drop in for a chat
Come along to a Visual Arts Social or one of our other social events
Sign up to our newsletter through the website (scroll down)
Follow us on social media (links all below)
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Huge thanks to Alison from Bradford Producing Hub for sharing more about how they established, what they do and how you can get involved!
Social media links for BPH:
https://www.instagram.com/bdproducinghub/