Deepak Sharma appointed Chair as Shagufta Bibi embarks on a New Chapter

Bradford Arts Centre’s Board of Trustees is delighted to have appointed Deepak Sharma as the Company’s new Chair after Shagufta Bibi announced she will be leaving the UK.

A New Adventure for Shagufta

After a short but dedicated tenure leading Bradford Arts Centre, Shagufta Bibi has reluctantly stepped down from the company’s Board to pursue a fantastic professional opportunity overseas. Everyone at Bradford Arts Centre is sad to see her go, but we are incredibly proud and excited for her as she embarks on this next international chapter of her career.

The timing is bittersweet for Shagufta, but she remains an advocate for everything the company does and will be taking our message with her across the world:

“It has been a privilege to serve Bradford Arts Centre,” Shagufta shared. “While I am excited for my next step, I am truly sad that I won’t be here in person to see through the ambitious plans and the vision we’ve been building for the centre’s future. I remain a huge supporter of our purpose and will be cheering the team on and watching the centre thrive from afar.”

Welcoming Our New Chair

Since joining the Board in October, Deepak Sharma has demonstrated a deep commitment to Bradford Arts Centre’s journey and both staff and fellow Trustees are excited about working under him as Chair. His leadership will be driven by a clear vision: ensuring that the arts in Bradford are accessible, welcoming, and representative of all our diverse communities. Deepak expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment:

“I am incredibly excited and honoured to step into the role of Chair. Bradford Arts Centre is at a pivotal moment in its growth, and following in Shagufta’s footsteps is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to ensure we keep delivering world-class arts experiences to our district.”

What’s Next: Join Us for the New Season

This transition comes at an exciting moment for the centre. Following the incredible success of our re-opening in October, we are getting ready for our spring/summer programme of events. From South Asian contemporary dance to comedy performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now! View the Spring/Summer events listings here.