Bradford Visual Arts Needs Analysis Report

Research period: February – August 2023​

Report author: Alison McIntyre, Visual Arts Instigator​

Over a six-month period in 2023, our Visual Arts Instigator, Alison McIntyre met with visual artists, curators, producers and organisations across the Bradford district to understand the needs of the sector. This strand of our work has been supported by Bradford 2025 within our work with them as Cultural Capacity Partner.

Alison has compiled these findings into this Bradford Visual Arts Needs Analysis Report representing conversations with over 90 people, through numerous 1-2-1 meetings, the first Visual Arts Social and events at Keighley Creative and South Square Centre. Alison spoke with artists at different stages of their careers; some at very early stages or who aren’t sure where to start, some who are making all their income through freelance artistic practice, some who are splitting their time between a day job and artistic practice, and some who are working full-time to fund making art in their spare time. Alison also spoke with arts organisations from established organisations like Impressions and South Square galleries to smaller or more informal organisations like Fayakunu and Trapezium Arts.

This report covers:

• The individual needs of artists: which include professional support, inspiration, connection and community
• The sector needs: which include infrastructure, space, information and understanding, as well as community and connection
• Recommended next steps

At the end of the report, there is a list of exhibition and studio spaces. If we have missed anywhere from this list, or if you have any other suggested amendments, please contact Alison at alison@bdproducinghub.co.uk