Funding for 'Coming of Age' Project

Bradford and Nottingham Mela have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to capture the diversity and experiences of the past 21 years of melas in the UK.

This year is an important year for both Bradford and Nottingham Melas as they celebrate the 21st Anniversary. In recognition of this important milestone the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £48,600 for a special project to produce a touring photographic exhibition together with a ‘coffee table’ book which will provide a retrospective look at the last 21 years of the mela and its roots and progress in the UK.

Coun Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Environment and Culture, said: "This funding will allow us to share the traditions and diversity of the Mela and also preserve the heritage and personal stories relating to Bradford Mela through this 21st anniversary book and exhibition. Bradford Mela has gone from strength to strength over the years celebrating the diversity of our city and district. This project will record and acknowledge that success and I am delighted that the HLF are supporting it."