Bradford College has officially opened a new creative skills hub, The Producing Academy, with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin attending the launch. The facility is designed to develop the next generation of creative leaders and help position West Yorkshire as a national powerhouse for the creative industries.
The Producing Academy will provide specialised training across music production and broadcast media, digital storytelling, fashion and photography, and eSports & games development. Students will gain hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and opportunities to work with leading brands in the creative sector.
Sarah Towan, Vice Principal for Recruitment & Communication at Bradford College, said:
“The Producing Academy at Bradford College is designed for the filmmakers behind the lens, the sound engineers shaping future music, the journalists and content creators changing society, and the innovators in fashion, photography, gaming, and digital arts. Bringing all these disciplines together under one roof, the Academy launches as Bradford’s creative energy remains in the national spotlight following the success of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
“Through cutting-edge courses in producing, content creating, digital storytelling, entrepreneurship and influencer culture, we’re building the next generation of CreateTechs backed by some of the biggest brands in the content industry. We’re not just teaching skills – we’re opening doors.”
West Yorkshire is home to England’s fastest growing creative sector outside London, currently worth around £2.2 billion and employing over 100,000 people. Regional plans aim to increase the creative economy to £4.1 billion by 2035 and create 50,000 new jobs.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“There’s so much talent and ambition in West Yorkshire, and Bradford’s year in the spotlight as UK City of Culture is inspiring the next generation. I’m thrilled that this new academy will help more creatives to unleash their potential in a stronger, brighter region that works for all.”
The Producing Academy will complement Bradford College’s existing School of Arts and the upcoming BRIT School North, set to open in 2026/2027.
For more information about The Producing Academy and its creative courses, visit www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk
