Bradford Arts Centre appoints communications expert to board amid venue relaunch

Bradford Arts Centre has welcomed a new chair and trustee, as the organisation marks the reopening of its venue following a £7.9 million transformation.

Marketing expert SHAGUFTA BIBI, who has previously held senior roles at the likes of local institutions the University of Bradford and University of Leeds, is to head up the board, with DEEPAK SHARMA also joining.

Sharma is presently vice-chair of Bradford Race Equality Network, and a key organiser of the Bradford Diwali Awards.

The pair sign on to help shepherd the organisation the day after its official reopening to the public, on 8 October.

Supported by the likes of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Foyle Foundation, and Bradford City Council, the venue now boasts a 170-seat theatre, in addition to five purpose-built rehearsal studios, and a conference venue.

A relaxation space, named the Sangam Lounge, has been included to reflect its history under its former Sanskrit name, Kala Sangam.

Bibi said she was thrilled to join at such a “key time” for the organisation, adding: “I look forward to working with the trustees, chief executive ALEX CROFT, and the entire team so that Bradford can benefit from inspirational performances, an environment that fosters imagination, collaboration and connection, with resources that nurture diverse creative talent.”

The building’s original founders, Dr SHRIPATI UPADHYAYA and Dr GEETHA UPADHYAYA, said: “We hope that Bradford Art Centre now flourishes and grows for many, many more years to come. We wish that Alex, the team and organisation also grow, and so many people, young and old, continue to enjoy the services of this company and grow in their creativity, finding a change in their lives through Bradford Arts Centre.”