Big news from Bradford! Our very own Tricia Arthur-Stubbs is making waves on the global stage, selected for the prestigious Bridges Fellowship. This landmark cultural exchange will see her representing the UK and forging powerful connections across the African diaspora. What incredible insights will she bring back to Bradford?

A significant announcement from the Bradford Producing Hub has captivated the cultural sector: local artist and esteemed cultural producer Tricia Arthur-Stubbs has been selected as one of just ten international fellows for the inaugural Bridges Fellowship. This prestigious appointment not only elevates Arthur-Stubbs’s already burgeoning international profile but also underscores Bradford’s growing influence in the global arts landscape, marking a pivotal moment for Bradford Arts and International Cultural Exchange.

The Bridges Fellowship, a groundbreaking global initiative, is spearheaded by the visionary Kenyan producer Karishma Bhagani, in close collaboration with Producer Hub (USA) and Georgetown University’s esteemed Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. This influential program boasts substantial backing from leading institutions, including the Mellon Foundation, the British Council, and Stanford University, drawing together a diverse cohort of creative professionals from nations such as Kenya, Benin, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, fostering rich African Diaspora Art connections.

As the designated UK host for this monumental fellowship, the Bradford Producing Hub plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. This strategic partnership highlights Bradford’s commitment to nurturing local talent and connecting its artists with a global network, thereby enriching the Community Arts UK scene and strengthening international ties.

A core component of the fellowship involves a unique two-way international residency scheduled for November 2025. During this period, Tricia Arthur-Stubbs will be paired with the talented Kenyan artist Wanjiru ‘Ciru’ Njoroge. Each artist will spend a week immersed in the vibrant cultural scenes of Nairobi and Bradford, with the Bradford Producing Hub and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture providing essential support for this transformative experience.

Expressing her profound gratitude, Tricia Arthur-Stubbs shared her honor at representing Bradford and the UK in what she describes as an “important new fellowship.” Her artistic philosophy is deeply embedded in the vitality of Black-led arts, the dynamism of community-driven festivals, and the expressive power of dance. She views this international cohort as an unparalleled opportunity to delve into Nairobi’s rich cultural tapestry and to deepen her practice while forging profound connections across the African Diaspora Art community.

Raised in Bradford with a proud Trinidadian heritage, Arthur-Stubbs is widely recognized for her masterful contributions to Caribbean Carnival Dance, particularly Soca, and as the visionary founder of significant local initiatives. Her artistic methodology is fundamentally rooted in creating joyful, accessible performances that celebrate African and Caribbean cultures. Currently, she also leads the influential Black Arts Network within the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum, tirelessly advocating for diverse voices in the arts.

This significant international appointment serves not only to amplify Tricia Arthur-Stubbs’s individual artistic journey but also to cast a vivid spotlight on Bradford’s rapidly ascending cultural prominence. It symbolizes the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community and its capacity to produce talent capable of commanding global attention, positioning Bradford Arts on a world stage.

The Bridges Fellowship further entrenches Bradford’s reputation as a northern powerhouse for creative talent, reinforcing its strategic role in national and international cultural dialogue. With Bradford 2025’s ambitious international program continuing to generate unparalleled opportunities for locally-based artists, this initiative exemplifies a future where global artistic collaboration and vibrant cultural exchange become increasingly central to the city’s identity and growth within the Community Arts UK landscape.