2.4. Gaps in the data

Despite low traditional cultural participation metrics, 88% of Bradford residents value cultural engagement.

Share

As traditionally measured, cultural participation is low. Yet culture is highly valued in the lives of Bradford’s residents, with 88% saying they engage with culture often or occasionally.46

There is an urgent need for new measures of cultural engagement to be developed, and Bradford 2025 offers an opportunity for that process to be embedded within the impact plans and cultural strategy of the City over the short to medium term. 

The data mentioned above provides an overview into cultural participation and cultural assets in Bradford. However, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of the cultural landscape in the district. Some of the gaps in our knowledge include:

a. The reasons behind the low levels of cultural engagement compared to other cities and the reasons why traditional measures of arts engagement tend to focus on defined art forms and subsidised activity.

b. The extent to which cultural activity in Bradford communities is underrepresented and the specific forms of cultural activity that are not being captured by typical measures, which reinforce stereotypical and power-laden notions of cultural activity.

c. The specific cultural assets that are highly valued by the residents of Bradford and how they engage with these assets in their daily lives may not be currently represented in the cultural offer.

2.1. Overview

Cultural participation in Bradford is diverse and vibrant, with a range of events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy.

2.2. Cultural engagement and local variations

This section explores national data highlighting local disparities in cultural engagement across Bradford, while also addressing the limitations in capturing ‘everyday participation’ within communities.

2.3. Cultural assets and funding

This section of the report focuses on cultural assets and funding in Bradford as well as details on public funding of culture.

2.5. Opportunities

The identified gaps underscore the pressing need for comprehensive research to illuminate Bradford’s cultural landscape fully.

Latest news and events

View our latest news and events

Skip to content