Bradford’s Tricia Arthur-Stubbs Joins International Bridges Fellowship

Local artist and cultural producer Tricia Arthur-Stubbs has been named one of ten inaugural fellows in the Bridges Fellowship, a significant cultural exchange initiative. Announced by the Bradford Producing Hub, this opportunity highlights Tricia’s expanding international presence, following her earlier selection to represent Bradford in the Nairobi Producer Exchange.

The Bridges Fellowship, spearheaded by Kenyan producer Karishma Bhagani, collaborates with the Producer Hub in the USA and Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. It is also supported by the Mellon Foundation, British Council, and Stanford University. This program aims to unite artists from various nations, with Tricia joining a diverse group from Kenya, Benin, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

As part of the fellowship, Tricia will participate in a two-way international residency paired with Kenyan artist Wanjiru ‘Ciru’ Njoroge. In November 2025, the two artists will spend a week in each other’s cities, with Bradford Producing Hub hosting them. This initiative is further supported by Bradford 2025, which has designated Bradford as the UK City of Culture.

Tricia expressed her enthusiasm about this opportunity, 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. It also offers me the chance to deepen my work while building powerful connections across the African diaspora.”

Originally from Bradford and of Trinidadian heritage, Tricia is recognized for her contributions to Caribbean Carnival Dance (Soca) and as the founder of the BRAVE Festival (Black Roots and Voices Expressed), which will return to Bradford on October 18 and 19, 2025. Her work emphasizes joyful and accessible performance that celebrates African and Caribbean culture. Currently, she leads the Black Arts Network within the Bradford Cultural Voice Forum.

This prestigious fellowship not only enhances Tricia’s artistic journey but also highlights Bradford’s growing cultural significance on the global stage.

Lisa Mallaghan, Executive Director of Bradford Producing Hub, commented on Tricia’s 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 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 underscores Bradford’s emerging role as a prominent hub for creative talent. With the ongoing international programme of Bradford 2025, local artists continue to gain unprecedented exposure and opportunities for collaboration in the arts.