Introduction to the Bradford Arts Center
A large art center in the city center has officially reopened its doors to the public after almost two years of renovation worth several million pounds. The Bradford Arts Center, housed in the listed St. Peter’s House building in Little Germany, began its transformation in January 2024.
History of the Building
The landmark building was built as the main post office in Bradford in the 1880s and later housed a museum before Kala Sangam, a South Asian art center, moved there in 2007. After a year of consultations with more than 30 art groups in the entire district, the decision was made to rename Kala Sangam to Bradford Arts Center after the renovation.
New Features and Facilities
The newly renovated center features a theater with 170 seats, five rehearsal studios, a radio studio, and several conference and meeting locations. The accessibility of the location has also been improved with the installation of two new elevators. A new informal space, the "Sangam Lounge", recognizes the legacy of Kala Sangam and showcases historical works of art by local artists.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Outreach programs have been carried out during the renovation work to encourage local communities to use the center. Amer Sarai, head of community engagement, said: "Sometimes it is difficult to work with hard-to-reach communities, where you have the impression that art centers, theater, and cultural sites are generally there for other people." The goal is to create a home for communities, making it a natural step to walk over the threshold and feel welcome.
Affordable Access to Arts
The center aims to provide affordable access to arts, with artists able to rent rehearsal rooms for just £1. CEO Alex Croft said: "We try to give people access to a space that they would not get in other parts of the country. For us, it’s about ensuring that everyone in Bradford can afford to get through these doors and experience what we have to offer."
Upcoming Events
The first performance in the reopened center will be the Jaivant Patel Dance Company’s new AstitVA production on Thursday, October 9th. Other events scheduled for the month include the Bradford South Asian Festival and the Black Roots and Voices Expressed (Brave) Festival. With its new facilities and commitment to community engagement, the Bradford Arts Center is set to be a transformative hub for arts and culture in the city.
