Bradford’s Tricia Arthur-Stubbs Selected as International Fellow

Local artist and cultural producer Tricia Arthur-Stubbs has been named one of only ten international fellows for the inaugural Bridges Fellowship. This selection, announced by the Bradford Producing Hub, underscores her growing international profile and commitment to cultural exchange.

Earlier this year, Arthur-Stubbs represented Bradford in the Nairobi Producer Exchange, a pioneering initiative aimed at connecting artists of African heritage from the UK and Kenya. Through the Bridges Fellowship, she will continue to represent both Bradford and the UK, joining a diverse group of creative professionals from countries including Kenya, Benin, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

Collaborative Residency Program

The Bridges Fellowship, led by Kenyan producer Karishma Bhagani, collaborates with the Producer Hub (USA) and Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. The initiative is supported by prominent organizations including the Mellon Foundation, the British Council, and Stanford University. As part of her participation, Arthur-Stubbs will engage in a two-way residency with Kenyan artist Wanjiru ‘Ciru’ Njoroge, spending a week in both Nairobi and Bradford in November 2025.

Arthur-Stubbs expressed her enthusiasm about the fellowship: “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.”

Celebrating Cultural Heritage

Raised in Bradford and of Trinidadian heritage, Tricia Arthur-Stubbs is renowned for her contributions to Caribbean Carnival Dance (Soca) and for founding the BRAVE Festival (Black Roots and Voices Expressed), which will return to Bradford on October 18-19, 2025. Her artistic practice focuses on joyful and accessible performances rooted in African and Caribbean cultures, and she currently leads the Black Arts Network within the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum.

This international appointment not only elevates Arthur-Stubbs’ profile but also highlights Bradford’s expanding cultural significance. Lisa Mallaghan, Executive Director of the Bradford Producing Hub, commented on the achievement: “We’re thrilled that Tricia’s work is being recognised on a global stage. This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create: one that fosters 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 cements Bradford’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse, with the Bradford 2025 international programme continuing to create opportunities for local artists to engage on the world stage.