Glasgow Life appoints Shanaz Gulzar as Director of Culture and Events
Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture, events and active living in Glasgow, has today (Thursday 10 September) announced the appointment of acclaimed artist, producer and creative leader Shanaz Gulzar MBE as Director of Culture and Events.
Shanaz joins Glasgow Life from her role as Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, where she was instrumental in shaping and delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural programmes. Her appointment follows an extensive and competitive recruitment process and she will take up her new post from Tuesday (15 September).
Shanaz brings extensive experience spanning film, visual arts, theatre, public art and media. At the helm of Bradford 2025, she led the creation of a major cultural programme developed with local, national and international partners and rooted in the distinctive heritage, character and communities of Bradford district.
The programme placed local people at its heart and has helped raise Bradford’s profile as a leading culture destination. Attracting audiences from across the world, more than three million people attended over 5,000 events during the year, with thousands of local artists, organisations, volunteers and residents involved in its delivery.
Previously, Shanaz worked as a producer at Manchester International Festival, and she has presented several BBC TV programmes including Yorkshire Walks and the documentary film Hidden Histories: The Lost Portraits of Bradford.
In January this year, Shanaz was awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year’s Honours list for services to culture in Bradford. She has also been recognised by the University of Bradford with an honorary doctorate for her contribution to culture, public life and the creative industries.
Shanaz said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Glasgow Life and to have the opportunity to play a part in the next chapter of Glasgow’s remarkable cultural story. Glasgow is a city with an extraordinary creative energy, a proud cultural heritage and a global reputation for the quality and ambition of its arts, museums, music and events. What particularly excites me is the opportunity to work with colleagues, artists, communities and partners to build on those strengths and ensure culture continues to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives and to the success of the city.
“My career has always been rooted in the belief that culture and creativity can bring communities together and give people a stronger sense of pride and belonging. I’m really looking forward to making Glasgow my home and getting to know the people and organisations that make Glasgow such a genuine cultural powerhouse.”
Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “Shanaz is an exceptional creative leader with an outstanding track record, and I’m delighted to welcome her to Glasgow Life. Culture and events are central to Glasgow’s identity and economy, and I know Shanaz shares our belief in the power of culture to create opportunity, strengthen communities and transform lives. I’m looking forward to working with her and to seeing the impact of her leadership across our culture and events portfolios.”