Bradford Council has appointed a new senior culture chief to help turn the city’s UK City of Culture success into a long-term legacy.
The authority has confirmed David Watson as its new Assistant Director for Culture, Policy and Events – a key leadership role that comes just as Bradford looks to build on the momentum of its landmark UK City of Culture 2025 year.
And in a powerful first statement, Watson hailed Bradford’s recent rise as something far bigger than a one-off title.
“Bradford’s moment in 2025 has been powerful to witness… ensuring Bradford continues to shine brightly within the constellation of creative excellence across the North.”
The appointment lands at what council chiefs describe as a defining moment for the district, with culture now firmly positioned as a serious driver of growth, opportunity, participation and civic pride.
Watson brings more than 20-years of experience as a senior cultural leader, consultant and creative producer, having worked across the UK on arts, culture and heritage strategies, major programmes and audience development.
His background spans strategic planning, programming, marketing and brand, digital innovation and income generation – making him one of the key figures now tasked with helping shape what Bradford’s cultural future looks like after 2025.
Working closely with Bradford Culture Company, he will help steer the district’s long-term cultural ambitions and further develop the strategy that sits at the heart of Bradford Built Different – the council’s recently launched 10-year growth plan.
The role is expected to focus on attracting top cultural talent, major events and long-term investment into the district, while also strengthening partnerships across organisations and services to ensure delivery is joined-up, responsive and built around local need.
There will also be a strong emphasis on supporting homegrown creativity – from nurturing local talent and opening doors for young people, to helping the wider cultural sector grow in a sustainable way.
Lorraine O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Bradford Council, said: “Growth is one of our key priorities for the District, and this role will be central to ensuring culture and creative industries play a major part in delivering this.
“One of the real benefits of our year as UK City of Culture has been the levels of participation and access to cultural activities. Engagement with culture enables our communities to come together, to connect, and be stronger and more cohesive.
“David will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Bradford to drive ahead with our ambitions for cultural legacy following 2025.”
Watson, meanwhile, made clear he sees the job as being about much more than maintaining momentum.
David Watson commented: “Bradford’s moment in 2025 has been powerful to witness. It’s the result of years of ambition, graft and belief from people right across the district. What’s been achieved didn’t happen overnight, and that’s what makes this next chapter even more meaningful.
“I’m delighted to be part of what comes next, building on that energy and momentum to create something that continues to transform opportunities and deliver real impact in people’s lives.
“For me, it’s about sustaining the arts and the infrastructure that supports them, keeping people and place at the heart of the work, and ensuring Bradford continues to shine brightly within the constellation of creative excellence across the North.”
