↑ jade ibegbuna
@theleapbd
tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, I’m Jade Ibegbuna, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Bradford Council. My team and I have the pleasure of supporting ‘The Leap’ with Council funding so that they can deliver outreach and engagement with community groups (and individuals) to enable them to thrive through culture.
I come from a community development and educator background prior to working in cultural engagement so I care deeply about seeing individuals and communities flourish – bringing people together through cultural intergenerational projects is transformative and it is what ‘The Leap’ does seamlessly year on year.
I’m a very proud Bradfordian (born and bred) and even though I have been lucky enough to live and work in different parts of the world including London, Spain and Peru… I came home 5 years ago and have never looked back! I feel very lucky that Bradford is my home and home to so many people from different walks of life – we have a different perspective on life here and I’m grateful to see the world through a Bradford lens.
what qualities do you most admire in other women?
We are made of steel! The resilience that we have within us is often not known until tested but it’s ancestorial, it’s deep rooted and it’s what navigates us throughout all life’s twists and turns. I think in many ways being raised in Bradford makes some Women and Girls over-resilient as they have been through so much – yet somehow there is still energy to be compassionate towards others and to make meaningful change. I am in awe of all these incredible Women and Girls.
how do you think the women of bradford can help themselves and each other to further develop a strong artistic and cultural identity?
Firstly, it’s about embedding your cultural identity into your work. Be proud of your roots, interweave your identity into what you do and don’t see it as separate…it’s central.
Secondly, amplify creative work that is not yours. There is a real camaraderie and sisterhood that is created when you celebrate others who in turn will celebrate you.
Lastly, be ambitious about your talents. Bradford is your base but the world is your stage – put Bradford on the map through your talent and contribute to a Bradford creative ecosystem that has no limits.
what do you hope will be the legacy from bradford’ year as city of Culture for women and girls in our communities?
A real confidence in who we are and the importance of our place in the world. Women are leading in all spheres within our communities… it might not always be seen, it might not always be glamorous but it is happening and is the backbone of our society. The legacy of ‘City of Culture’ for Women and Girls is for us to be seen and heard cross-culturally and to be in prominent positions to make impactful change throughout the Bradford district. A Bradford full of unapologetically brilliant women is a Bradford for the world to take notice of – we are here, we are ready and we know our worth. That’s the ‘City of Culture’ legacy that I want to see.
