Bradford Digital Creatives

Bradford Digital Creatives is a pilot project empowering young people to share stories about themselves, their pasts and their futures through a range of digital artforms, working with professional artists from Bradford and beyond. It is a collaboration between The National Science and Media Museum, Born in Bradford (Age of Wonder), Bradford Council, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Bradford Cultural Education Partnership.

During the two-year pilot over 1800 teenagers from six schools where a high proportion of pupils do not engage with arts and culture, worked with digital artists to co-create artwork including 360-video, audio storytelling and video games, culminating in a public showcase as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme.

Key findings of the pilot project show:

• Over half of participants reported increased interest in digital arts
• 7 in 10 reported they gained new knowledge and developed new creative skills
• 1 in 3 said they would be likely to look for digital arts activities to attend in the future
• Students were significantly more likely to consider creative careers after participating.
• Teachers reported increased confidence in using digital tools, with 90% saying the project was valuable for their students.

With backing secured to extend delivery until March 2026, the project’s partners are now looking to develop a long-term model to embed digital creativity across more schools in Bradford – strengthening connections between education, culture and industry and laying the groundwork for a thriving creative future for the district’s young people.

The project is currently looking for more schools to get involved. If you would like more information contact caro.pratt@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk.

Website: www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/digitalcreatives