Bradford’s contribution to national life has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List, with leading figures from culture and the arts among those honoured.
Shanaz Begum Gulzar, creative director at Bradford Culture Company, has been awarded an MBE for services to culture in Bradford. Her work has played a significant role in amplifying local voices, supporting creative talent and strengthening Bradford’s cultural identity on a national stage.
Dance and heritage were also recognised, with Balbir Singh, artistic director of the Balbir Singh Dance Company, receiving an MBE for services to dance. Based in Bradford, Singh’s work has been instrumental in preserving and evolving South Asian dance traditions while engaging younger generations.
Other Bradfordians recognised in the King’s honours are Dan Bates who like his counterpart Shanaz Gulzar received an MBE and Jo Quinton-Tulloch, Director of the National Science and Media Museum, has been awarded an OBE for services to the arts.
The honours underline Bradford’s growing reputation as a centre for cultural innovation, diversity and community-led creativity.
