Artist Development Bursaries to support new community-led projects

 Calling all Bradford artists!

Following the success of the inaugural OUR TURN visual arts festival, South Square Centre is developing OUR TURN 2027 (funding dependent), a district-wide celebration of Bradford’s visual arts community.

In partnership with United Art Project and Keighley Creative, we are offering two paid artist development bursaries to support new community-led visual arts projects. Both opportunities provide dedicated time to research, build relationships with local communities and develop ideas for a future public project. Subject to funding, projects may be realised as part of OUR TURN 2027.

The opportunity

Artists can apply for one of two opportunities: United Art Project, based at Storehouse in South Bradford, or Keighley Creative, based at Keighley Creative Art Centre.

Selected artists will work closely with the partner organisation and local communities to develop ambitious, community-engaged projects that respond to local people, places and stories. By February 2027, artists will submit a proposal for a final public outcome.

Selected artists will receive a £3,000 artist fee, materials budget, support from South Square and residency partners and more. Artists must live, study or work in Bradford and have an established visual arts or craft practice. We welcome applications from artists working across all visual arts disciplines, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, craft, photography, film, digital media and socially engaged practice.

How to apply

For more information and to apply, visit: www.ourturn.co.uk/artist-bursaries-2026. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2026.

This is a really exciting opportunity for Bradford artists to get involved with the next chapter of OUR TURN and create new opportunities for people across the district to engage with the arts. We look forward to receiving your application.

Delivered by South Square in partnership with The United Art Project and Keighley Creative, supported by Arts Council England.