Unions have successfully negotiated a significant pay deal for creatives involved in Bradford’s upcoming year as the UK City of Culture in 2025. The agreement, signed with Bradford 2025, ensures that creative professionals will receive fair pay and working conditions during the cultural program.
Unions including Equity, the Musicians’ Union, Bectu, and Artists Union England have backed the memorandum of understanding, which outlines the terms for the creative workforce. Under the deal, professional workers in the sector will be engaged under terms that align with collectively-bargained agreements, ensuring decent wages and fair treatment.
The UK City of Culture initiative is designed to elevate the profile of the host city by boosting tourism, economic growth, and its cultural reputation. Bradford’s 2025 designation has already secured £15 million in government funding, marking a major step towards the city’s transformation.
Dominic Bascombe from Equity highlighted the importance of the agreement, describing it as a “win” for Bradford’s creative community, workers, and audiences alike. “This deal guarantees that our members will be employed under agreed minimum terms, with opportunities for training and development for younger creatives, while respecting their intellectual property rights,” he stated.
The creative sector’s involvement in Bradford 2025 is seen as a key opportunity to establish a lasting cultural legacy in the region, with a focus on ensuring that arts and culture continue to flourish long after the celebrations have ended.
Bradford’s UK City of Culture year kicked off in January with a spectacular open-air show attended by around 10,000 people. The city is set to host a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances over the coming months, strengthening its position as a vibrant cultural hub in the UK.
As the city prepares for a year of celebrations, this agreement represents a crucial step towards supporting and uplifting creative talent in the region.
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