9 September 2026

Appointment of Glasgow Life's new Director of Culture and Events

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Dear colleagues,

Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, I'm pleased to let you know we have appointed Shanaz Gulzar as Glasgow Life's new Director of Culture and Events.

Shanaz is joining 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.

She will take up her new post from Tuesday (15 September) and will undertake a phased start as she relocates from Bradford to Glasgow. Shanaz will initially work part-time, spending Mondays and Tuesdays in our office, before moving into the role on a full-time basis in November.

An acclaimed artist, producer and creative leader, 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.

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 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 Shanaz shares our belief in the power of culture to create opportunity, strengthen communities and transform lives. I know she is looking forward to working with colleagues across our organisation as well as with our partners and stakeholders.

I'm sure you will join me in congratulating Shanaz and offer her your every support when she starts with us.

Best regards,

Kay

Kay Morrison
Chief Executive