National Lottery operator Allwyn named as Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture partner
National Lottery operator Allwyn has become a major partner of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, a year-long celebration of the city’s creative heritage.
The partnership, which will see investment into the development of Bradford’s volunteer programme beyond 2025, is being delivered through a portion of Allwyn’s Social Value Fund.
A spokesman said: “It will enable Bradford 2025 volunteers to continue with training, development and opportunities to support their communities after the year-long UK City of Culture celebrations have come to an end.”
Through the partnership, Allwyn is also supporting Painting the Sky, an event taking place on 14 November which sees artworks from the Bradford-born artist David Hockney recreated in the night sky by more than 600 choreographed illuminated drones.
Allwyn’s CEO, Andria Vidler, commented: “The vibrant sights, sounds and stories coming out of Bradford over the last ten months have been incredible.
"And National Lottery players have played a key role in this success, with over £15.6m in Good Causes funding going towards organisations in Bradford district creating work to celebrate Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
"Volunteering stands at the heart of The National Lottery. Whether in sport, the arts, heritage or the community, volunteers are the common thread weaving together countless National Lottery-funded projects.
"Evidence shows that volunteering is also one of the most effective ways to contribute to health and wellbeing, especially for marginalised groups in the UK.
“As the National Lottery operator, we wanted to build on this enormous achievement by making our own contribution to help support the legacy of this year of culture – securing a lasting and positive change for the people and communities of Bradford.”
Daniel Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025, said the volunteers are the “heart and soul” of Bradford’s UK City of Culture year.
He added: “They’ve welcomed people to the district and had the opportunity to learn valuable skills, meet new people and experience a whole range of cultural events right on their doorstep.
"Many have said they feel a renewed sense of pride for Bradford and feel positive and excited about its future.
Mr Bates added: "I’m thrilled to have Allwyn on board to help us develop the volunteer programme so our existing volunteers can continue their work, and even more people can reap the many benefits that volunteer opportunities create.”
A spokesman said the partnership between Allwyn and Bradford 2025 will be formally recognised at the Painting the Sky event.