Bradford Digital Creatives has supported 1,860 students across six secondary schools, helping young people build new skills, discover hidden talents, and gain confidence in their own creative potential.
Funded by Arts Council England, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and Bradford Council, the programme invited students to collaborate with professional artists on digital projects ranging from 360° filmmaking and soundscapes to Virtual Reality, light art and games design. Their work went on to be showcased in the Reel BFD: Digital Arts, Bradford Stories exhibition, in school displays across the district, and even on the dome of the iconic Jodrell Bank planetarium.
The final project report highlights the scale of the programme’s impact:
- Over half of participating students reported increased interest in digital arts
- 7 in 10 gained new creative knowledge and skills
- 1 in 3 said they are now more likely to seek out digital arts activities
- Students were significantly more likely to consider creative careers after taking part
- 90% of teachers said the project was valuable for their students and increased their own confidence with digital tools
Lindsay Wilson, Deputy Headteacher at Carlton Bolling, described witnessing a “transformation” in her school community, with students collaborating across friendship groups, discovering new abilities, and inspiring conversations at home about creative futures.
Many of the young people involved have already taken their experiences further. A 14-year-old student became a BAFTA Young Game Designers finalist after taking part in a workshop; Carlton Keighley launched a student-led Games Design Club; and several students have chosen new routes in education thanks to the skills and confidence they gained.
Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement at the museum, said the programme’s success lay in the exchange between artists and students:
“It wasn’t just about delivering workshops, but about sharing experiences, building confidence, and forging sustainable relationships between education and culture.”
The project is also part of Age of Wonder, Born in Bradford’s internationally significant research programme tracking adolescent health and wellbeing. It marks the first time creativity has been measured on this scale as part of a major longitudinal study.
Professor Rosie McEachan said the findings confirm that creativity can play a powerful role in supporting young people’s confidence, wellbeing and ambition.
With further funding secured, Bradford Digital Creatives will continue until March 2026. The partners are now working to develop a long-term model that embeds digital arts across more schools and strengthens connections between education, culture and industry.
Rhiannon Hannon, Director of Creative Engagement and Participation at Bradford 2025, said the project “opened up new possibilities for hundreds of students across the district,” aligning strongly with Bradford 2025’s mission to empower young people and amplify their voices.
As Lindsay Wilson reflected: “This project has set the bar for what creative education can be – collaborative, inclusive and transformative.”
Find Out More
- Explore stories from Bradford Digital Creatives
- Learn more about the programme
- For schools interested in taking part in the extended programme, contact caro.pratt@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk