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Bradford’s Commonwealth Programme
Bradford’s Commonwealth Programme
Outlined below are the core components of the Commonwealth Heritage Programme
Outlined below are the core components of the Commonwealth Heritage Programme
Bradford Commonwealth Programme: Future Initiatives
Bradford Commonwealth Programme: Future Initiatives
- Commonwealth War Memorial Project
Installed and unveiled on 6th November 2024 — marking the first memorial of its kind outside London and setting a national precedent for inclusive remembrance. - Community Workshops and Events
Organise workshops and events that engage citizens in heritage dialogue and preservation activities. These include storytelling sessions, heritage restoration workshops, and cultural celebrations that empower communities to preserve and celebrate their shared Commonwealth heritage. - Collaborative Partnerships
Forge partnerships with cultural institutions, heritage organisations, artists, and community groups. Such collaborations will amplify the impact of heritage initiatives and ensure diverse voices help shape the narrative of Equity, Recognition, and Remembrance—building more cohesive and united communities across Great Britain. - Literary Initiatives
Encourage writers, poets, and researchers to explore and document Commonwealth heritage through creative writing. This includes novels, poetry, essays, and articles that enrich the narrative of shared history, foster appreciation for cultural integration, and capture lived memories. These works will be freely accessible through the Commonwealth Memorial Foundation’s website. - Schools Education Programme
Integrate Commonwealth contributions into the national curriculum by collaborating with Oxford University and other educational partners. Develop engaging, age-appropriate learning materials that promote awareness of the Commonwealth’s historical, cultural, and contemporary significance among students. - Commonwealth Peace Garden
Establish a contemplative space behind the cenotaph—a place for reflection, dialogue, and connection. The design will incorporate cultural and architectural elements representing Commonwealth heritage, serving as a lasting symbol of unity, peace, and shared values. - Digital Platforms: Memorabilia Digitisation Project
In partnership with Oxford University, digitise war memorabilia and create an accessible online archive. Through a dedicated digital hub, audiences will be able to explore interactive content, historical archives, and personal stories, bringing the Commonwealth’s legacy to life for future generations. - Multimedia Exhibitions & Interactive Technology
Develop immersive exhibitions using creative technology—film, theatre, dance, music, and design—to tell the stories of Commonwealth service and contribution. Incorporate AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) experiences, offering interactive and memorable ways for audiences to engage with this heritage. - Documentary Films and Video Diaries
Produce a video diary chronicling the entire Commonwealth Project, with the goal of developing a full documentary or a series of short films. These will broadcast the stories behind the Commonwealth’s heritage, fostering national pride, empathy, and deeper understanding. - Public Art Installations
Commission public artworks, created by local and national artists, that reflect the diversity and shared history of the Commonwealth. These installations will become landmarks of civic pride and cultural identity—enhancing the city’s landscape while inspiring other communities to pursue similar projects. - Commonwealth People’s Museum – Building Bradford
Redevelop a suitable building into a dedicated People’s Heritage Centre for Bradford — a living museum celebrating Commonwealth stories, contributions, and shared cultural heritage.
Bradford’s Commonwealth Programme - the first of its kind outside London, not only stands as a blueprint for commemorative equity, but intercultural dialogue and education. It is a model for commemorative and heritage initiatives nationwide.
Bradford’s Commonwealth Programme - the first of its kind outside London, not only stands as a blueprint for commemorative equity, but intercultural dialogue and education. It is a model for commemorative and heritage initiatives nationwide.
It shows how remembrance can unite rather than divide, and how inclusive memorials and monuments can give voice to every strand of our shared history. We encourage other cities and partners who share this vision of equity in remembrance to work with us. Through our experience and partnerships, we can support your city and communities in developing their own memorials, monuments, and inclusive remembrance projects and events that honour the shared history which continues to shape modern Britain.
It shows how remembrance can unite rather than divide, and how inclusive memorials and monuments can give voice to every strand of our shared history. We encourage other cities and partners who share this vision of equity in remembrance to work with us. Through our experience and partnerships, we can support your city and communities in developing their own memorials, monuments, and inclusive remembrance projects and events that honour the shared history which continues to shape modern Britain.
Together, we can help shape new landmarks of unity and recognition across the UK.
Together, we can help shape new landmarks of unity and recognition across the UK.
The campaign for this project has been championed by its founder, Nussrat (Naz) Hussain, and has been many years in the making. Its importance was brought to the fore at a Bradford Council Executive Meeting on 2nd November 2021, during the City’s Monuments & Memorials Review, launched in response to the Black Lives Matter protests. On the day, Naz was joined by veteran colleague, Mohammed (Harry) Boota, as they highlighted their work to promote greater equality and diversity in civic remembrance, ensuring that all forgotten heroes, including those from ethnic communities who helped shape Britain, receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.
The campaign for this project has been championed by its founder, Nussrat (Naz) Hussain, and has been many years in the making. Its importance was brought to the fore at a Bradford Council Executive Meeting on 2nd November 2021, during the City’s Monuments & Memorials Review, launched in response to the Black Lives Matter protests. On the day, Naz was joined by veteran colleague, Mohammed (Harry) Boota, as they highlighted their work to promote greater equality and diversity in civic remembrance, ensuring that all forgotten heroes, including those from ethnic communities who helped shape Britain, receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
By highlighting Commonwealth contributions in both world wars and post-war reconstruction, the programme fosters pride, dispels stereotypes, and strengthens unity.
By highlighting Commonwealth contributions in both world wars and post-war reconstruction, the programme fosters pride, dispels stereotypes, and strengthens unity.
Key partnerships: Bradford Council, Stronger Communities Team, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Commonwealth Secretariat, University of Oxford, University of Bradford, NGOs, and local charities.
Key partnerships: Bradford Council, Stronger Communities Team, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Commonwealth Secretariat, University of Oxford, University of Bradford, NGOs, and local charities.
Outcomes:
Outcomes:
- Greater participation in civic life by diverse communities
- Stronger intercultural and interfaith dialogue
- A lasting legacy of remembrance, tolerance, and pride
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
The Commonwealth Cadre is more than a programme. It is a movement.
The Commonwealth Cadre is more than a programme. It is a movement.
CADRE challenges inequity, dismantles prejudice, and drives inclusive development. Our approach is rooted in grassroots consultation, cultural heritage, and academic collaboration.
CADRE challenges inequity, dismantles prejudice, and drives inclusive development. Our approach is rooted in grassroots consultation, cultural heritage, and academic collaboration.
CADRE's five divisions are:
CADRE's five divisions are:
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