Bradford 2025 Creative Director awarded honorary doctorate
Bradford 2025 Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar MBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries.
Born in Keighley and still living in the district, Shanaz has spent her career exploring the stories, communities and landscapes that shape Yorkshire, building a reputation as an artist, producer, writer and cultural leader. Her work has spanned visual art, theatre, film, television and public engagement, helping bring Bradford’s stories to audiences across the UK and beyond.
The honorary Doctor of Letters was conferred during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.
Many people will know Shanaz through her role leading Bradford’s successful bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 before going on to become Creative Director of Bradford 2025, helping shape a programme that has brought local stories to national and international audiences.
Receiving the award, Shanaz described the recognition as particularly meaningful because it came from the city and district that helped shape her.
Bradford 2025 Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar MBE, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries. Images: KM Images/University of Bradford.
She said: “It’s really special to receive this honorary degree from the University of Bradford, especially to celebrate with all the students here today who have worked so hard over the last few years. To receive this degree from the university, from the city where I grew up, is absolutely special.”
In her address to graduates, Shanaz reflected on the importance of friendship, family and the people who encourage us to pursue ambitions we might never have imagined possible.
She spoke movingly about her parents’ journey to Britain, the importance of literacy and education, and the role friends play in helping people dream bigger, challenge themselves and embrace new opportunities.
Bradford 2025 Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar MBE, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bradford in recognition of her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries. Images: KM Images/University of Bradford.
Addressing the graduating class, she encouraged students to seize opportunities and embrace whatever comes next.
Her advice was simple: “Grab everything life has to offer. If someone says no, try and find another way for them to say yes. You’ve just completed your degree. This is the first step of the rest of your life.”
Presenting the award, the University praised Shanaz’s outstanding contribution to culture and public life, highlighting her work as an artist, storyteller and champion of communities across Bradford, Yorkshire and the UK.
The University also recognised her role in helping establish Bradford 2025 as one of the most successful and fully realised interpretations of the UK City of Culture model to date.
The award adds to a distinguished career dedicated to helping people see the places they live in new ways and demonstrating the power of creativity to bring communities together.