Schools’ Takeover Week

Since 2022, we have hosted an annual Schools’ Takeover, where local primary schools ‘take over’ our arts centre for a series of creative and fun workshops– from Bhangra to Rap. The Takeovers bring children from different multicultural communities together, learning about other faiths, cultures and heritages, while developing their confidence and creative skills.

October 2025

October 2025 marked our 5th annual School’s Takeover and the first since the re-development of Bradford Arts Centre. Over 7 days, we welcomed 12 local primary schools engaging with a total of over 740 Key Stage 2 students.

Students worked alongside professional artists to explore a range of different art forms, from Caribbean dance to rap. These workshops give children the space to step outside of the classroom and discover a new creative talent alongside their peers.

“All children were engaged throughout both workshops. The people delivering were knowledgeable and passionate about their art. Great experience” – Teacher, Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy.

From Dhol drumming to African dance, the week focussed on providing an enriching and accessible environment for every student.

“African dance and Dhol drumming are both learning experiences we would struggle to deliver in school. So, it is incredible to enjoy and immerse ourselves in this experience. Thank you” – Teacher, High Crags Primary Leadership Academy.

“The workshops were amazing and very engaging for all children. My class is almost 50% SEND and this was inclusive to all” – Teacher, LaPage Primary School.

With thanks to Carla Addyman, Ella Tighe, Ellie Cansdale, Joachim Keke, Lence, Punjabi Roots Academy, Tranquil Productions and Tricia Arthur Stubbs.

Thanks to Haider Mahboob for our Takeover Video:

October 2024

Across three weeks, we welcomed over 700 Key Stage 2 children to take part in a range of arts activities including Disco Freestyle dance and Rap.

“Both workshops were interactive, fun and well instructed. Children engaged and learned lots of new skills. They were encouraged to choreograph their own routines, fostering independence and leadership.” – Teacher, Dixons Marchbank.

Whilst closed for our building renovation works, our school’s Takeover took place in two different locations in 2024. The first week was at local secondary school, Carlton Bolling, who kindly let us use their hall. While at Carlton Bolling we were supported by their Art Council students, who helped us with the logistics and delivery of the Takeover.

The next two weeks took place at our temporary  space at Bank House in the city centre. Working with local schools to provide the Takeover opportunity is such an important part of our work at Bradford Arts centre, not having a building wasn’t going to stop us! Even with the change of locations we ran 32 workshops across three weeks with 11 primary schools attending from across the BD3 area of Bradford.

“It gets the children outside the classroom and allows their creativity to flow. It explores another outlet for expressing themselves and sparks their interests.” – Teacher, Peel Park Primary School.

Big thanks to the staff at Carlton Bolling, their Arts Council students. Artists Ella Tighe, Frankie Sharp, Wilko Wilkes, Lence, Tranquil Productions and Punjabi Roots Academy for delivering some incredible workshops.  As well as Haider Mahboob, Jess Swift and Karol Wyszynski.

“I love the Schools Takeover because it is a wonderfully rich exchange between artists and young people. I taught a workshop based on my new show Disco Queen and introduced the children to elements of Freestyle dancing. Hardly any of the children knew what it was at the start and by the end they were jumping, practicing their high leg kicks and bossing out a whole dance routine. As an artist, School’s Takeover allows me to refine my facilitation skills and the sharing of my practice with the community here in Bradford and this is something I really appreciate.” – Ella Tighe.

October 2023

In October 2023, we hosted our Schools’ Takeover for a third year running. Across the week, we delivered 28 workshops for a total of 12 primary schools.

This included a Classical Indian singing workshop delivered by Satnam Galsian, a Bhangra dance workshop led by Punjabi Roots Academy as well as other local Bradford artists including Tranquil Productions, Zareena Bano, Ruth Fettis and Wilko Wilkes.

Our Schools’ Takeover week is focused on new experiences and we aim to create a lasting memory for the children and young people involved.

“Both workshops were very fun and engaging and gave the children a chance to express themselves”.
– Teacher, Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy.

“The children really interacted well, and it was something different for them. The children were able to learn new skills.”
– Teacher, Bryon Primary School.

“The Bhangra Teacher was at the children’s level. He explained the history behind Bhangra. Visual Arts was just at the children’s level. The teacher was very kind and helped give children new ideas. Lots of lovely resources.”
–Teacher, Dixons Marchbank Primary

January 2023