CHARITY CELEBRATES BRADFORD CITY OF CULTURE ACCOLADE
The leader of national charity QED Foundation says the announcement that Bradford is set to become the UK’s next City of Culture will help to unite communities across the district.
‘One of the reasons that we were chosen for this accolade is because our youthful, ethnically diverse population played a key role in developing the bid,’ says chief executive Dr Mohammed Ali OBE. ‘The excitement among our younger members of staff is palpable. This opens up a whole world of opportunities – social, economic and cultural as well as artistic – that will particularly those help those starting out on their careers.
‘We also hope that it benefits our service users, who come from a wide range of African, Asian and European backgrounds, by highlighting how Bradford’s diverse population continues to contribute to its rich heritage.’
QED Foundation helps people of every race and faith to fulfil their potential and runs a variety of training programmes for people from ethnic minority communities. Its deputy chief executive, Adeeba Malik CBE, is a board member of the City of Culture bid’s steering organisation. She was born in Bradford – as were several other members of staff.
The charity supports and hosts Asian Virsa, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that helps people from all ethnic backgrounds to learn about the heritage of the Indian subcontinent and take part in a wide range of cultural activities.
‘Our experience has shown that bringing people together for artistic events, either as audience members or performers, is one of the best ways of building understanding and trust,’ says Dr Ali. ‘We hope that 2025 will mark an important turning point in Bradford’s history by celebrating our communities and proving that our diversity is a source of strength.’
For more information contact Dr Mohammed Ali OBE on 01274 545000 or
07812 010918, email m.ali@qed-uk.org or visit www.qed-uk.org