Bradford’s Tricia Arthur-Stubbs Selected as International Fellow

Local artist and cultural producer Tricia Arthur-Stubbs has been named one of the inaugural Bridges Fellowship international fellows. This recognition highlights her growing influence, as she joins a select group of ten creative professionals from various countries, including Kenya, Benin, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. The announcement was made by the Bradford Producing Hub, emphasizing the significance of this cultural exchange.

Earlier this year, Tricia represented Bradford at the Nairobi Producer Exchange, a collaboration aimed at connecting artists with African heritage. Now, through the Bridges Fellowship, she will further her representation of both Bradford and the UK on an international stage. This fellowship is spearheaded by Kenyan producer Karishma Bhagani in collaboration with the Producer Hub in the USA and Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. Key supporters of this initiative include the Mellon Foundation and the British Council.

As part of her fellowship, Tricia will engage in a two-way residency with Kenyan artist Wanjiru ‘Ciru’ Njoroge. This exchange will take place in Nairobi and Bradford during November 2025, with each artist spending a week in the other’s city. The program aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration, with Bradford Producing Hub serving as the UK host.

Tricia expressed her enthusiasm for the fellowship, stating, “I feel so honoured to represent Bradford and the UK in this important new fellowship. My practice is rooted in the power of Black-led arts, community-driven festivals, and dance. Being part of this international cohort will give me an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Nairobi’s cultural scene.”

With Trinidadian heritage, Tricia is renowned for her work in Caribbean Carnival Dance, particularly Soca, and as the founder of the BRAVE Festival (Black Roots and Voices Expressed), which is set to return to Bradford on October 18-19, 2025. Her artistic focus encompasses joyful and accessible performances steeped in African and Caribbean culture. Currently, she leads the Black Arts Network within the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum.

This international appointment not only elevates Tricia’s artistic profile but also highlights Bradford’s increasing cultural importance. Lisa Mallaghan, Executive Director of Bradford Producing Hub, stated, “We’re thrilled that Tricia’s work is being recognised on a global stage. This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to make possible: one that grows local leadership and connects Bradford artists with international peers, in the spirit of collaboration and creativity. We can’t wait to welcome Ciru to Bradford and to support continued opportunities for black-led arts.”

The Bridges Fellowship reinforces Bradford’s status as a northern powerhouse for creative talent. With the ongoing initiatives under Bradford 2025, the city continues to open new avenues for locally based artists, fostering a vibrant arts scene that resonates beyond its borders.