Art of Collaboration

Bradford Producing Hub

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Arts
Updated Biweekly

A new experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub. This series explores the magic and mechanics of artistic collaboration across live and visual arts. Each episode, we sit down with incredible artists from different disciplines to unpack the creative process, share insights, and offer valuable advice that isn’t always easy to find.

Jun 3

Collaboration with Jeremy Deller on The Bradford Progress

Welcome to the sixth episode of The Art of Collaboration, a new and experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of artistic collaboration. Your hosts, Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph, are joined by guest host and BPH Visual Arts Instigator Alison McIntyre for a conversation with the world-renowned conceptual artist and Turner Prize winner, Jeremy Deller. In this first part of a special two-episode case study, we explore the creation of The Bradford Progress, a massive, district-wide musical "happening" that brought together hundreds of local musicians, from brass bands to punk groups and community choirs. What’s inside this episode: A Musical Relay across the Landscape Jeremy shares the vision behind a continuous musical journey designed to articulate the landscape, moving from the countryside into the city. Dawn at the Cow and Calf Alison reflects on the emotional moment of performing at the Cow and Calf rocks at dawn alongside the Paraorchestra and at least one wailing dog. A Concert for the Dead Discover the inspiration behind the atmospheric performance at Undercliffe Cemetery, paying tribute to the paupers and the great and the good of Bradford’s history. The Devaluation of Ego Jeremy discusses why leading a successful collaboration means stepping back, avoiding being a tyrant, and letting the 10 brains in the room do their magic. Logistics as Art From canal boats and steam trains to buses and cars, hear how the amazing production team coordinated the complex movements of music across the district. The Golden Rule Jeremy shares his famous, no-nonsense advice for anyone working with the public. Collective Effervescence A look at the magic of being part of a collective experience that is bigger than any one individual. Whether you are interested in public spectacles or the ethics of working with communities, this episode offers a refreshing and humorous look at the power of collective sound and shared vision. Join us for a conversation about how a simple, arresting idea can turn into a city-wide celebration.

53 min
May 20

A Collaborative Dance Case Study with Carlos Pons Guerra

Welcome to the fifth episode of The Art of Collaboration, an experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that dives into the magic and mechanics of artistic partnerships across the live and visual arts. In this episode, your hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra, Artistic Director of DeNada Dance Theatre. Originally from Gran Canaria, Carlos has spent two decades in Yorkshire, building a career that explores LGBTQ+ identity and Latinx heritage through the powerful medium of dance. Together, they explore the journey of his family-friendly production, The Bull and the Moon, a show that celebrates gender identity and non-binarism through a fiery blend of contemporary dance and flamenco. What’s inside this episode: Dancing to Your Own Tune Carlos shares the heartwarming story of a little bull who dreams of becoming a flamenco dancer, a narrative deeply rooted in his own childhood experiences of wanting to break conventions. The Power of Positive Representation Discover how the team collaborated with international charities to ensure an authentic and positive representation of trans childhood on stage. Rules of the World Learn how Carlos worked with designer Ryan Laight and dramaturg Sue Buckmaster to create a symbolic visual language, from a moon that never touches the ground to costumes that avoid literal animal suits. Managing the "Lonely" Job Carlos reflects on the weight of being a choreographer and how sharing the creative pressure with trusted crew members makes the creative process feel lighter and less isolating. Crisis in Nashville A high-stakes cautionary tale where a musical score fell through just four days before a premiere, forcing Carlos to become an impromptu musical arranger overnight. Beyond the Studio Why thinking time is just as productive as studio time, and how learning to advance your ideas during the wastelands of a freelance career can protect your creative wellbeing. Expanding Horizons Advice for Bradford-based artists on why looking outside your city, and even your country, can be the best way to gather the inspiration that helps your artistic practice grow. Whatever your creative practice, this episode offers a soulful and practical look at how empathy, listening, and bravery form the heart of a successful collaboration. Join us for a celebration of the "village" it takes to bring a magical story to life. ___ For those listening on audio, you can view the images of The Bull and the Moon, here.

1h 9m
May 6

Leading Collaboratively as a Playwright with Kamal Kaan

Welcome to the fourth episode of The Art of Collaboration, a podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of working together across the arts. In this episode, we step into the world of words, scripts, and storytelling. Your hosts, Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph, are joined by the multi-talented Kamal Kaan, a playwright, screenwriter, and poet from Bradford. Kamal shares his journey from studying architecture to becoming a lead artist on major stage and screen projects, offering a refreshing look at why writing is far from a solitary pursuit. What’s inside this episode: The Epic Haiku Kamal treats us to a reading of Me You, Haiku, a beautiful commission for Bradford Arts Centre that weaves together personal history, Taylor Swift references, and a love for the city. Dismantling the Ego Learn why moving from "my script" to "our project" is the key to a successful collaboration and how growing up in a family of ten helped Kamal master the art of negotiation. From Architecture to Screenwriting Discover how the process of designing a building, from inception to construction, is the perfect metaphor for building a script or an imaginary world. Navigating Rejection and "The Crits" Kamal shares honest stories about surviving public critiques, receiving tough notes, and even the milestone of being sacked from a major TV show. Protecting Your Art A vital cautionary tale on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP), written agreements, and keeping a paper trail, even when collaborating with friends. Loving Your Collaborators A look at the curious beginnings of creative partnerships, including Kamal’s experience working with director Clio Barnard on the BAFTA-nominated film Ali & Ava. Finding Your In Tips on researching unfamiliar subjects (like female cricket teams!) and using personal anchors to tell authentic stories. Whether you are a writer starting out in your bedroom or a creative looking to build a stronger team, this episode is a warm invitation to see collaboration as a source of energy, support, and joy. Join us as we celebrate the power of curiosity and the "10 brains" that make a masterpiece possible.

1h 2m
Apr 22

Collaborating with Communities with Alison McIntyre

Welcome to the third episode of The Art of Collaboration, an experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of artistic collaboration. In this episode, our hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by Alison McIntyre, an artist and engagement specialist with over 20 years of experience. As the Visual Arts Instigator at Bradford Producing Hub and co-director of the community interest company Hatch, Alison is a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to breaking down barriers to participation in contemporary art. To help you apply these insights to your own work, you can ⁠view the Ladder of Participation document mentioned in this episode here⁠. What’s inside this episode: The Ladder of Participation Alison introduces a vital tool for any artist or organisation, helping to navigate the different rungs of community engagement, from avoiding tokenism and decoration at the bottom to achieving true empowerment at the top. The Art Doctors Discover Alison’s playful Art Doctors project, which uses roving performances and creative prescriptions to make contemporary art more accessible and less intimidating. Co-Creation vs. Co-Production The team unpacks the lumpy terminology of community work, exploring where power, ownership, and responsibility sit when artists and communities create together. Finding Joy in Hard Times A heartfelt look at how small, creative moments can help people find joy and connection amidst larger social challenges like the cost-of-living crisis. Craft as a Conversation Starter Hear how working with your hands, whether through curve stitching or textile art, can lower social barriers and open up space for meaningful, life-changing conversations. Building Long-Term Legacy Why it is crucial to move beyond whirlwind engagement and instead nurture long-term relationships that leave a lasting positive impact on the community. Whether you are a visual artist, a community organiser, or simply curious about how art can change lives, this episode offers a comprehensive look into collaborating with respect and ethics. Join us for an inspiring deep dive into the ethics of participation and the power of putting communities at the heart of the creative process.

1h 21m
Apr 8

Wellbeing & Creative Integrity in a Collaboration with Sinead Campbell

Welcome to the second episode of The Art of Collaboration, a podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that dives into the heart of the creative process. In this episode, we explore the vital intersection of creativity, soul-feeding, and personal wellbeing as an artist. Your hosts, Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph, are joined by the inspiring Sinead Campbell. Sinead was the Bradford Music Lead at BPH, an accomplished singer-songwriter, and a creative wellbeing coach who is passionate about building diverse career pathways for local artists. What’s inside this episode: The Integrity Wheel Sinead introduces her powerful metaphor for integrity, comparing it to a spinning wheel where even a small puncture in your honesty or boundaries can impact how you show up in your work. Finding Your ‘True North’ Learn how to stop diluting yourself or acting shy to please others, and instead find the courage to show up as your powerful, authentic self. The Magic of Collectives Drawing inspiration from the Caution Collective, Sinead discusses the beauty of community-centred music and how nurturing young talent creates an organic and magical collaborative environment. Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward Sinead shares the moving story behind her latest EP, Sankofa, and how reconnecting with her African Caribbean heritage transformed her music and gave her fire in her belly. The Mechanics of Music Making A step-by-step look at the collaborative journey of a song, from demos and session musicians to the final shine of mixing and mastering. Guarding Your Creative Space Why filling your own cup through creative wellbeing isn't selfish, but is actually the most generous thing you can do for you and your community. Whether you are a musician or a creative in any discipline, this episode offers a warm and soul-stirring guide to leading with integrity and finding your own individual voice. Join us for a conversation about how looking after your spirit is the key to unlocking your most brilliant art. ___ For listeners interested in local support, this episode also highlights various Northern music networks and organisations like Launchpad and Music Leeds who support artists take their next professional steps.

1h 10m
Mar 24

Producing a Collaborative Masterpiece, with Lisa Mallaghan and Joyce Nga Yu Lee

Welcome to the very first episode of The Art of Collaboration, a new experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub that explores the magic and mechanics of working together in the arts. In this premiere, our hosts Frances Murphy and Nicole Joseph are joined by two incredible creative leaders: Lisa Mallaghan (former Executive Director at BPH) and award-winning theatre director Joyce Nga-Yu Lee. Together, they unpack the journey of creating Zara, a collaborative masterpiece and epic outdoor production by Mind the Gap, England’s premier learning disability performance company. This episode was recorded in Spring 2025. View images of this work What’s inside this episode: The Big Idea Hear how a wild vision for a giant baby puppet — the size of two double-decker buses — grew from a simple conversation into a £1 million national production. The Mechanics of Pitching Lisa and Joyce share valuable insights on how to sell a big idea, from informal office chats to five-minute pitches at national conferences. Scaling Up Discover how the project evolved over six years through different stages, including forum theatre (Anna), a national touring show (Mia), and finally the large-scale spectacle (Zara). A Village Effort Learn about the village required to bring such a project to life, involving over 400 collaborators, from puppet makers and scientists to community choirs and local councils. Bradford Pride Our guests discuss the enormous investment and creative transformation currently lighting up Bradford, making it one of the most exciting places for artists to work today. Whether you are an emerging artist or a seasoned producer, this episode offers a warm and honest look at the power of persistence, partnership, and inclusive practice.

1h 42m

6 Episodes

A new experimental podcast from Bradford Producing Hub. This series explores the magic and mechanics of artistic collaboration across live and visual arts. Each episode, we sit down with incredible artists from different disciplines to unpack the creative process, share insights, and offer valuable advice that isn’t always easy to find.

Creator

Bradford Producing Hub
Years Active

2K
Episodes

6
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Bradford Producing Hub
Show Website

Art of Collaboration