Bradford’s newly rebranded arts hub, Bradford Arts Centre, will officially reopen this October following a £7.9 million transformation of its historic Grade II listed building in the city centre. Formerly known as Kala Sangam, the centre has undergone major redevelopment to provide enhanced facilities and a fresh identity shaped by input from local communities, artists and partners.
Opening during Bradford’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2025, the centre will kick off with a programme featuring premieres from Jaivant Patel Company, Mobius Dance and Natalie Davies. The revamped space now boasts a 170-seat theatre, five rehearsal studios, multiple meeting rooms, a conference venue, offices for creative businesses and a new home for BCB Radio.
Bradford Arts Centre will continue its pioneering model of offering over 650 days of free rehearsal space annually for artists, supported through venue hire. It remains the only centre in the North of England to provide free performance studio space alongside bespoke artist support.
Three new commissions from Bradford-based artists will mark the reopening, including installations by Razwan Ul-Haq, Turbynes and Eve Wright. Community-created artworks developed with u3a and Womenzone groups will also be on display throughout the venue.
The centre’s relaxed ‘Sangam Lounge’ nods to its legacy and provides a welcoming space to meet and unwind. Interim Board Chair Marie O’Reilly said the centre aims to be “a place where everything is possible and everyone is welcome.”
