Volunteer, says City of Culture leader
As Executive Director of Bradford 2025, last year, Dan Bates MBE enlisted the help of hundreds of students to support an exceptional programme of activities as UK City of Culture.
Now, as he is awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Bradford, Dan’s message to students is: “Make the most of your time and volunteer!”
It has been quite the whirlwind few months for the cultural leader. In January he and his Bradford 2025 co-leader, Shanaz Gulzar, were awarded MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.
This week, the pair both received honours at the University of Bradford, which was a partner institution and champion of Bradford 2025 from the very start of the bidding process to the spectacular finale in Myrtle Park, Bingley, in December.
Thrilling honour
Dan, who co-leads Bradford Culture Company, the organisation that delivered UK City of Culture, said: “It really is thrilling to receive this award. I would never have imagined such an honour.
“I have been coming to graduate ceremonies for the last four years and could never have thought I would have been nominated for an honour myself.”
Delivering Bradford 2025 was only possible with the help of more than 2,700 local volunteers who acted as marshals, ambassadors, guides and behind-the-scenes coordination for more than 5,000 events during the year.
Dan said: “Helping to deliver such a game changing year for Bradford has been a team effort and it has been lovely to work with so many students and colleagues at the University.”
The power of volunteering
His advice to current students is to explore similar opportunities to enhance their CVs.
He said: “Make the most of your time at Bradford. If you can try and volunteer, or mentor someone. All these skills really help you stand out to employers.”
Prior to Bradford 2025, Dan previously spent over a decade as Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres, leading a £15.5 million organisation, driving commercial sustainability, audience growth and artistic excellence, and securing multiple UK Regional Theatre of the Year awards.
Earlier in his career, Dan held senior roles at York Theatre Royal and Leeds Playhouse, where he combined strategic vision with a strong commitment to inclusion, education, diversity and youth engagement, embedding these values across organisational culture and practice.
He has worked closely with Government, sector bodies and international partners, and played a key role in supporting the safe reopening of theatres following the COVID-19 pandemic.