Bradford Digital Creatives
Nurturing the Next Generation of Storytellers and Innovators
Introduction
Bradford Digital Creatives is a pilot project empowering young people to share stories about themselves, their pasts, and their futures through a range of digital art forms. Delivered by Born in Bradford and the National Science and Media Museum, as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme, this initiative is supported by Bradford 2025, Bradford Council, and Arts Council England
Over two years, more than 1,200 teenagers from six schools—where a high proportion of students do not typically engage with arts and culture—will collaborate with digital artists to co-create works including 360-degree videos, audio storytelling, and video games. These creations will culminate in a public showcase as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
The project taps into the extensive research data gathered by Born in Bradford, contributing to internationally significant studies on the impact of creativity on young people’s lives as part of the Age of Wonder initiative—the world’s largest study of adolescent health and wellbeing.
Our Role
As the lead facilitator for the project, Tanya Vital plays a pivotal role in delivering the following:
Workshops and Events: Facilitating hands-on workshops in schools across Bradford, focusing on digital storytelling, video production, and creative use of emerging technologies.
Teaching and Mentorship: Providing guidance and mentorship to students, helping them develop technical skills and creative confidence.
Digital Art Services: Supporting students in creating original digital media.
Summer Festival 2025: Leading the curation and delivery of a summer festival to showcase the work created during the workshops, celebrating the achievements of participants and highlighting the transformative power of digital creativity.
Key Features
Hands-On Learning
Students explore the full process of content creation—from planning and storyboarding to filming and editing—using accessible tools like iPads, CapCut, and iMovie. By rotating roles such as director, camera operator, and editor, participants gain a well-rounded understanding of the creative process.
Focus on Accessibility
The initiative prioritises accessibility by utilising free or low-cost tools and resources. Open-source music, simple storyboarding templates, and mobile-friendly equipment ensure that all students can participate, regardless of background.
Community-Centric Themes
Participants are encouraged to tell stories rooted in themes like history, identity, nature, and culture, fostering pride in Bradford’s rich heritage. Collaborations with local historians, artists, and technologists bring authenticity to these projects, ensuring they resonate with both creators and audiences.
AI Integration
Young people are introduced to AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E for creative applications like scriptwriting, image generation, and content planning. This approach inspires curiosity about the intersection of technology and creativity while equipping students with skills relevant to future opportunities.
Outcomes & Impact
Skill Development
Students acquire foundational skills in filmmaking, editing, and digital storytelling, preparing them for future opportunities in creative industries. The project also contributes to Born in Bradford’s Age of Wonder research, providing insights into the impact of creativity on young people’s lives.
Community Engagement
By strengthening ties between schools, local organisations, and the broader creative community, the initiative fosters collaboration and mutual benefit across sectors. Teachers develop digital skills and confidence in the classroom, complementing the arts and culture curriculum and creating sustainable partnerships between educational and cultural communities in Bradford.
Showcase Opportunities
A mini-festival at the end of the workshops allows students to present their work to peers, families, and the wider community. This celebration builds confidence, highlights the importance of creativity in education, and showcases the potential of digital art forms.
Future Vision
While still in its early stages, Bradford Digital Creatives has the potential to become a cornerstone of Bradford’s creative ecosystem. By nurturing young talent and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, the initiative will drive innovation and contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for digital creativity and storytelling.
Looking ahead, the project aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies, expand outreach to underserved communities, and establish a sustainable platform for showcasing student work. Through these efforts, Bradford Digital Creatives will continue to empower young people, inspire new ideas, and connect diverse voices across the district.
Alignment with Key Messages
The project increases young people’s participation in high-quality arts and culture, developing their creative skills and positively contributing to their physical health and wellbeing.
It expands cultural participation and aspirations for young Bradfordians while informing research into the impact of creativity on adolescent lives.
Students are empowered to tell stories about themselves, their pasts, and their futures through co-created digital artworks, using emerging technologies.
The focus on digital arts introduces young people to new forms of expression, highlights career opportunities in creative industries, and helps build a pipeline of digital talent in the city.
To stay updated on the project’s progress and celebrate the incredible work of participants, follow us social media and use the hashtags #ImADigitalCreative, @ace_national, and #LetsCreate.
