Bradford's cultural sector is at its best when its different parts are connected without losing their distinctiveness. I'd like to help CVF strengthen those connections and ensure cultural organisations continue to shape Bradford's future.
 

As Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts at Bradford Cathedral, I work at the intersection of heritage, arts, faith and civic life, developing cultural programmes and partnerships across the district. I'm interested in how Bradford's rich heritage can open up new possibilities for contemporary cultural expression, participation and, most importantly, dialogue. Before entering ministry, I worked in arts venues as a venue manager and programmer, giving me practical experience of cultural programming and the realities of running arts organisations. More recently, I've also been a part of the small group that helped shape CVF's new structure and governance as it developed into a Community Interest Company. I'd really value the opportunity to build on that work and contribute to our next stage of development. Across these roles, I bring experience in strategic planning, partnership-building and working across different organisational and community cultures. I believe cultural and heritage organisations have a vital role not only in preserving and producing culture, but in connecting people and enabling them to shape the places they share in new and innovative collaboration.

I want to bring this perspective to CVF, with a commitment to its independence and member-led character, and to strengthening the agency, relationships and influence of Bradford's diverse cultural sector, locally and across West Yorkshire.

Lauren Eagan

Lauren Egan is an Irish Bradford-based visual artist, lecturer, and Co-Director of Fourth Idea CIC, where she manages artist studios and a gallery space dedicated to advancing visual arts and championing working-class creatives. Grounded in higher education and community leadership, she brings expertise as a practicing artist, organizational leader, and advocate for institutional governance and sector development.

Representing an independent cultural organization, I am applying to become a CVF Director to drive community powered change and the long-term development of visual arts across Bradford district. Grassroots spaces are the lifeblood of our district's identity, but achieving true sustainability requires exploring alternative funding landscapes, from enterprise models and community-led investment to regional partnerships beyond traditional grants.

To the CVF Board, I bring hands-on experience in CIC governance, business planning, and resource management. I will advocate for both artists and organizations, foster equitable sub-network collaboration, and build resilient infrastructure for visual practitioners at every career stage. Working alongside Vicky Clifton and Tricia Arthur-Stubbs, my steadfast commitment to advancing Bradford's art and culture will ensure CVF delivers lasting strategic value, diverse representation, and sustainable growth for our cultural workers.