Bradford Council is still '100 per cent committed' to UK Capital of Culture 2025

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe said plans for hosting duties for the title in five years were probably now even more important because the city would need regeneration and an economic boost once Covid-19 subsided.

The city announced last year that it would be bidding to host the title.

Coun Hinchcliffe said: “We remain 100 per cent committed to a district-wide Capital of Culture. It’s probably more important now because it’s about regeneration and a boost to our economy.”

It allows artists to apply for up to £1,000 to develop alternative ways of reaching each other.

Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company is one of the 11 organisations to have received a grant and members have been delivering art and craft materials to people, she said.

Speaking about culture’s role in the healing process once coronavirus subsides, Coun Hinchcliffe added: “At the end of this, as we’ve all been on our own, I think we will all want a big party, won’t we?

“At the same time, we are going to have people who’ve lost close family members.”

This week she said: “They are the exact qualities that will help win the bid for Bradford and the qualities that will help people return to a new normal life when this crisis passes.”