Bradford Producing Hub is excited to announce the cohort selected for Expanding Horizons, our bespoke business development programme for arts and culture organisations in the Bradford district. This programme offers tailored coaching, training, and funding to help organisations grow and thrive in their creative ventures. Expanding Horizons’ mission is to support eight diverse organisations in developing their strategy and growth plans through personalised coaching and facilitated training.
"We focus on holding safe, peer-led spaces where participants can build their leadership skills and mindset while also strengthening the resilience of their practices and organisations. This is a brilliant group - eager to learn, excited to share, and extremely supportive of each other. What makes it unique is the incredible diversity in their artistic practices, lived experiences, and aspirations. It’s a rich mix that benefits everyone involved."
The cohort represents a vibrant cross-section of Bradford’s creative landscape, from dynamic dance collectives to innovative theatre makers, below is more about each of this fantastic group.
Meet our Expanding Horizons cohort
Sarah Francis - Aire Place Studios
She/They
Sarah is the Founder and Creative Director of Aire Place Studios, a radically inclusive, artist-led studio prioritising LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent voices. With 15+ years as an artist, curator, and leader, Sarah empowers creative communities, breaking down barriers to participation. Through Aire Place Studios, she champions innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in every project.
Vicky Clifton - Bradford Heritage Connection CIC
She/Her
Vicky is Director of Bradford Heritage Connection, supporting and growing Bradford’s heritage sector. Vicky has recently been the Learning and Outreach Manager for Bradford Museums and Galleries, leads the Bradford Heritage Hub, and co-chairs the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum. Through Bradford Heritage Connection, Vicky fosters collaboration, offers training, and hosts an annual heritage festival to strengthen the district’s heritage community.
Alice Parsons - Castles In The Sky Projects
She/Her
Alice is the founder and Creative Director of Castles In The Sky, a Bradford-centred LGBTQ+ arts and culture organisation. She curates events, residencies, and performances, including Bradford Queer Film Festival and OUT OUT. With a background in curatorial practice, Alice has held senior roles at national museums and developed exhibitions for institutions like the British Library. She is also a lead programmer for Proud:BD and a custodian of Common Space.
Laura Liddon - Dance for Life & Bradford Active Dance CIC
She/Her
Laura is a dedicated community dance leader in Bradford, running inclusive initiatives through Bradford Active Dance CIC and Dance for Life. With 15+ years of experience, she leads a dynamic team, shaping accessible dance opportunities like the Dance On International Women’s Day Flash Mob and the B.A.D. community showcase. Passionate about breaking barriers, Laura sees Expanding Horizons as a chance to amplify the voices of the communities she serves.
Sid Akbar - Dhamaka Arts
He/Him/They/Them
Sid is a Bradford-born actor, writer, and founder of Dhamaka Arts, which amplifies Queer and QTIPOC stories. His work explores identity, belonging, and family, with productions like Nikah and BPH-supported Besharam [Shame-LESS]. From touring small-scale, suitcase-ready shows to creating space for large-scale collaborations, Dhamaka Arts is committed to making theatre that is accessible, impactful, and boundary-pushing.
Sonia Sandhu and Harry Jelley - Edible Archives
She/Her and He/Him
Sonia and Harry co-founded Edible Archives, which explores heritage through food, art, and poetry. Sonia, an artist and chef, blends plant-based cookery with storytelling, while Harry, a writer and artist, works between poetry, heritage, and installation. Together, they create immersive, boundary-pushing experiences that transform how heritage is understood.
Adam Blackwood - Mek Summat
He/Him
Adam co-founded Mek Summat, an artist collective championing Bradford’s creative scene since 2019. With 25+ years in live events and education, he has produced exhibitions, concerts, art markets, and workshops, providing a platform for underrepresented artists. A firm believer in “art for all,” Adam sees Expanding Horizons as an invaluable opportunity to shape Mek Summat’s future and maximise its impact.
Davinder Singh - Punjabi Roots
He/Him
Davinder is Founder and Director of Punjabi Roots who are a dynamic organisation dedicated to promoting South Asian heritage through performing arts, music, dance, and cultural education. Davinder has worked in the Music, Events and Entertainment industry for over 25 years where he has featured on many mainstreams platforms both nationally and internationally.
