Bradford Artist Tricia Arthur-Stubbs Joins Prestigious Bridges Fellowship

Local artist and cultural producer Tricia Arthur-Stubbs has been selected as one of just ten international fellows for the inaugural Bridges Fellowship, a significant recognition in her rising international profile. Announced by Bradford Producing Hub, this opportunity follows her role earlier this year representing Bradford in the Nairobi Producer Exchange, a collaboration aimed at connecting artists of African heritage between the UK and Kenya.

The Bridges Fellowship is led by Kenyan producer Karishma Bhagani, in partnership with the Producer Hub in the USA and Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. Supported by notable organizations such as the Mellon Foundation, British Council, and Stanford University, this initiative aims to unite major arts organizations and institutions globally. Bradford Producing Hub serves as the UK host for this ambitious project.

As part of the fellowship, Arthur-Stubbs has been paired with Kenyan artist Wanjiru ‘Ciru’ Njoroge for a two-way international residency scheduled for November 2025. Each artist will spend a week in the other’s city, with Arthur-Stubbs visiting Nairobi and Njoroge coming to Bradford. This exchange is supported by Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture for 2025.

In her own words, Tricia expressed her enthusiasm: “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. It also offers me the chance to deepen my work while building powerful connections across the African diaspora.”

Raised in Bradford and of Trinidadian heritage, Arthur-Stubbs is celebrated for her contributions to Caribbean Carnival Dance (Soca) and as the founder of the BRAVE Festival (Black Roots and Voices Expressed). The festival is set to return to Bradford on October 18-19, 2025. Her artistic practice focuses on accessible performances deeply rooted in African and Caribbean culture. Currently, she also leads the Black Arts Network within the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum.

This international appointment not only elevates Arthur-Stubbs’ work but also showcases Bradford’s growing cultural significance on the world stage.

Lisa Mallaghan, Executive Director of Bradford Producing Hub, commented on the fellowship, stating, “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 further solidifies Bradford’s status as a northern powerhouse for creative talent. The ongoing international programme associated with Bradford 2025 continues to open new avenues for locally based artists, enhancing the cultural landscape and fostering international connections.