FOUR new senior appointments have been made to the team which will develop and deliver the district's year of culture.

The latest recruits join Keighley woman Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, and colleagues as preparations continue for the cultural celebrations.

Joining as executive producer is Jenny Harris, who will oversee delivery of a range of artistic commissions, partnerships and events.

She has more than 25 years' experience in producing cultural events.

"I’m really excited to start work alongside Shanaz and the rest of the team to develop and deliver the programme for Bradford 2025," says Jenny.

"There are so many great events and projects in the pipeline.

"I was born and brought up here and have called it home for most of my life. I think we have a lot to offer the rest of the UK in terms of the way we do things in the district, and it’s time to share the bigger story of Bradford with the world.

"Bradford 2025 recently announced a first mini seed commission of grants ranging between £500 and £2,500 to support artists, makers and organisations in the Bradford district to research and develop project proposals.

"Now that we’ve launched those first seed commissions, I hope creatives in the district will respond with some really bold ideas that can be supported and developed in the lead up to 2025. Upskilling and nurturing our home-grown talent is so important, as we want to create a legacy for the cultural community here that goes way beyond the year of culture itself."

Further information about the grants can be found at bradford2025.co.uk/2023/01/20/mini-seed-commissions.

Volunteers will play a central role in Bradford 2025, which is reflected in three appointments.

Irene Mirza and John Strawson-Rooney are recruited as volunteer programme leads, while Georgie Jessop becomes volunteer engagement and inclusion officer.

More than 4,000 volunteers will be taken on during the run up to 2025.

The volunteer programme is being supported with £250,000 from Spirit of 2012.

Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, says: "There are just two short years until we deliver a once-in-a-generation celebration of Bradford district, so it is vital that we have a strong team working together to deliver what was promised in the bid.

"In welcoming Jenny, Irene, John and Georgie onto the team, we are also bringing their extensive knowledge and expertise of the district and of the existing cultural landscape."