creAtive plaCe partNers
The Leap is all about community-led culture. Our Creative Place Partners programme aims to broaden and strengthen the ecosystem of support for arts and culture in underserved communities.
empoWering commUnities
growing community-led culture
The aim of our Creative Place Partner programme is to broaden and strengthen Bradford’s creative ecology; making it easier for communities, organisations, artists and creative entrepreneurs to find the help that they need to start up and grow arts and cultural activities, and ensure that these reflect the uniqueness and diversity of the people across our district. The programme will co-design and experiment with bold approaches to co-commissioning, match-funding, participatory budgeting and decision making.
sharing skills and expertise
We want to share our skills and expertise and those of our networks with partners who are established and trusted in their communities and are well places to reach out, find people and groups with great ideas, and provide them with funding and support to succeed. Together, the aim is to learn what works for providing the help people need to start up and grow arts and cultural initiatives that make a positive difference in communities.
how dOes it wOrk?
The Creative Place Partners programme pilot is an asset-based community development approach that has been co-created through extensive consultations and co-design with communities and sector partners. Each Creative Place partner has been awarded £25,000 to develop their own arts and culture programme through providing financial and non-financial support to their community members.
the programme consists of three main elements to help grow our ecosystem of support
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01
delegated funds
For local communities to make decisions and support their own arts & culture programme.
02
skills, capacity & infrastructure
Development to provide partner organisations with support, training, resources, tools and connections to creative sector and artists, to help communities deliver with quality.
03
local decision-making
Supporting partners to embed community-led decision making around arts & culture.
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our pArtners
bangladeshi youth organisation
Founded in 1982, BYO is a community-rooted charity, primarily serving new arrival families and children while addressing service gaps. Governed by a voluntary board, it focuses on improving local community outcomes in education, skills, employment, and health. Recognised for its impact, BYO has received awards like the Barry Thorne Sporting Awards and Bradford Council's Honorary Award. Nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Services, BYO's inclusive provision extends beyond the Bangladeshi community. The organisation supports women's groups, fostering social engagement and overcoming isolation, and has positively impacted Rohingya refugees, aiding academic success, volunteerism, and University enrolment.
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bradford district senior power (bdsp)
Bradford District Senior Power is a local charity run largely by volunteers and they are the independent voice for older people offering support, guidance and information across Bradford & Keighley. BDSP is there to help take the pressure off older adults who are experiencing loneliness. Their vision is to see isolated and vulnerable older people, from across the Bradford District, cared for and connected. BDSP support those aged 60+ at risk of losing their independence, and regularly engage those with poor health, dementia and complex needs. They also run a variety of social and learning groups open to seniors throughout the week at various venues.
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bradford moor pass
Bradford Moor Play & Support Service has been established for over 15 years and is rooted firmly within the local community. Bradford Moor PASS deliver bottom-up solutions; enabling locals to develop practical solutions in response to community need. They work in partnership with local communities, voluntary and statutory services. Their vision is “To make Bradford Moor (Bradford, West Yorkshire) a place that all residents and community members are proud to live and work in” They have 5 strategic objectives; Social / Business Entrepreneurship, Education and Training – particularly around young people, Volunteers and Volunteering, Employment and Training – particularly around young people and Community Safety. Diversity and Inclusion is a common theme which flows through everything PASS does.
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bradford west indian community centre association
The Bradford West Indian Community Centre Association with 40 years of experience in Bradford, empower disenfranchised communities through arts and culture. They host live events and wellness programs, provide space for the Monday munch food program for the homeless, and offer a free venue for young creatives'. Supporting 60 artists, including a now-renowned DJ, they cater to diverse age groups with activities like crafts, bingo, and mental health groups, attracting a monthly footfall of around 260 attendees. Inclusivity is a priority, welcoming individuals from Eastern European, South Asian, and White British communities, reflecting their commitment to an open and diverse approach.
dominica association of bradford
The Dominica Association of Bradford was founded in response to Hurricane David in 1979. It has become a leading community hub with 100 family memberships. It operates as an unincorporated association, focusing on social welfare, education, and culture. Providing warm spaces during winter, they support seniors with activities and meals, and maintain traditions like the Domino Team and Quadrille Dance Group. With 44 years of experience, they've assisted the establishment of various groups, run diverse programmes including a book club and children's activities, and organised three popular street parties. The association promotes unity and serves as a welcoming space for all ages and cultures in the Bradford district.
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grange interlink limited
Grange Interlink, a people-led community hub for over 40 years, caters to Horton Grange and City Ward. With a local resident committee, it addresses diverse issues through fitness, arts, education, and more. Operating seven days a week, it employs a hub and satellite model, delivering services across locations. The organisation actively collaborates with the community, co-designs programmes, and supports individuals with initiatives such as educational programmes, a food bank, holiday activities, culturally tailored classes, wellbeing cafes, and sports sessions. Its inclusive approach fosters community engagement and has transformed from a three-day service to a multi-use community hub, benefiting residents and fostering unity.
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keighley association women and children’s centre (kawacc)
Keighley Association Women and Children’s Centre is a registered charity and voluntary organisation providing support to women and girls in holistic ways. KAWWAC have deep knowledge of and access to local people and communities and a strong commitment to underserved communities in Keighley. KAWACC provides a range of services including advice and guidance, educational classes, health activities and youth clubs. They develop healthy and strong communities by looking at cohesion strategies, tackling extremism, helping reduce obesity and work with young people at risk of antisocial behaviour. KAWWAC believe that through acting together they can create a stronger, safer, and fairer community.
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keighley youth focus
Keighley Youth Arts (KYF), an all-volunteer organisation, empowers Keighley's youth through a diverse range of programmes, aiming for personal and professional development. Using arts and culture, KYF fosters young leaders for social change, increases community involvement, and provides mentoring and training opportunities. Collaborating with local residents, the organisation supports youth-led initiatives, impacting over 300 individuals each year. KYF has facilitated the creation of resident groups, encouraging applications for awards like the Radical Social Awards. Addressing gaps in local provisions, a youth practitioners group has formed, showcasing commitment to community engagement and skill development.
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khidmat centres
Established in 2004, Khidmat Centres (KC) is a registered charity and limited company with a mission to enable grassroots communities to reach their maximum potential. Operating two community centres in BD5 and BD7, KC offers diverse facilities and services, including health and wellbeing for the elderly, day care for adults with learning disabilities, and career planning. The organisation actively supports individuals and groups by providing space, organisational development support, and incubator space for creative ideas. KC's ethos focuses on alleviating poverty, enhancing wellbeing, and empowering the local community through diverse initiatives.
cornerstone community church
The New Testament Church of God has operated in Bradford for 40 years, providing spiritual care and comprehensive support to members and the community. Emphasising development, the church offers supplementary education and diverse youth programmes, including arts and confidence-building activities. The Lidget Green Elders Group aids vulnerable adults by reducing isolation and fostering social cohesion through crafts, games, gardening, ICT workshops, and artistic experiences. Committed to holistic support, the organisation has been a vital presence in the educational, cultural, and social development of various groups in Bradford.
rooted in cio
Founded in 2003, Rooted In is a volunteer-led charity with a vision for Allerton's thriving community. Their focus on "Growing Big People" involves empowering individuals by uncovering skills, providing holistic support, education, and training. Operating through four key areas—strengthening families, building community, equipping for achievement, and reinvesting in community-led initiatives - Rooted In secures significant funds for children, youth, family, and employment services. Recognising evolving community needs, they aim to bring a long-term "hand up" approach to community-led development, leveraging their skills, experiences, and creativity to offer genuine support to individuals and families in Allerton.
the gateway – ravenscliffe community association
Operating as The Gateway, Ravenscliffe Community Association is a community centre and registered charity supporting Ravenscliffe and Greengates residents. Established to address social and educational needs, the organisation promotes community engagement through talent utilisation, intergenerational connections, advice on statutory rights, and creating training and job opportunities. The Gateway provides welfare and housing advice, creative learning, and wellbeing support for all ages, offering low-cost, healthy food options through hampers, food parcels, and a community café. Actively collaborating with the local community, the organisation addresses poverty's root causes, having supported individuals during the cost of living crisis and post-COVID reintegration.
west bowling youth initiative
Established in 1991, West Bowling Youth Initiative (WBYI) is a community-led charity in Bradford, initially targeting at-risk British Pakistani Muslim men. Evolving over 30 years, WBYI has successfully engaged underserved youth, women, and children. Offering crime prevention, education, job readiness, arts programmes, and social enterprise support, it has become a respected community hub. Collaborating with diverse communities and organisations, WBYI adapts its methodology to address new challenges. Staffed by local community members, WBYI provides unique insights, fostering understanding and supporting individuals through programmes like Talent Match and group initiatives such as the Youth Opportunities Fund. WBYI excels in sports leadership mentoring, empowering young leaders in sports and youth work careers.
kyffin place community centre
The Sutton Centre – along with OutLOUD and The United Art Project – is a community-based organisation with a passion for supporting people and engaging underserved communities in the arts and creative activities. July 2018 was where their journey started, transforming a derelict building into a community hub that serves the needs of local residents in Holmewood and the Tong ward within Bradford. Kyffin Place Community Centre (Known as The Sutton Centre) is a registered charity and aims to improve health, increase wealth and build community. The centre based on the edge of the Holmewood estate is open 7 days a week providing a wide range of activities for all ages, as well as providing space for the community to hire for parties and celebrations. One of their main projects is the Tong Well-being hub providing support for residents of all ages, to improve mental health, with welfare advice, fitness sessions, domestic abuse support as well as support for those who suffer from substance misuse.
carbon:imagineering
CARBON:imagineering – a boutique digital innovation and R&D practice. Mission is to discover the elemental building blocks of the near future and fashion them into new experiences for our partners and clients. We do this by scouting for emerging technologies; nurturing relationships with their creators; speculating on their political, economic and cultural impact and by devising novel software products and services.
Provide guidance on product and startup strategies; undertake digital product design and concept development; contribute to industry journals and publications; produce and curate creative labs and workshops, industry conferences and festivals, as well as production-grade software ranging from virtual and augmented realities to mobile apps and web services