The worlds of art and science will collide in Bradford next week at a major international conference.

Two Cultures is a two-day event looking at how science contributes to the life of a city and how it is as much a part of culture as the arts and sports.

Organised by The Culture Company, it plays an important part in Bradford's European Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

It is the second of three international conferences - the first was held last year - and the science theme is in recognition of 2001/2002 Science Year, a national celebration of science.

The event, on Wednesday and Thursday at the National Museum of Photography, Film, and Television, will look at ways of making science a creative part of city life, catching the public's imagination and getting away from the image of it as a dull subject.

Former Hollywood producer David Puttnam, chairman of Bradford's European Capital of Culture Partnership, will be a key speaker at the event.

Lord Puttnam, who is also chairman of the National Endowment for Science and the Arts, which has awarded £18,250 for the event, said: "This conference is an important strand of Science Year, designed to promote access and participation in science and technology and inspire partnerships. Bradford is rapidly moving into the premier league of UK cities bidding for Capital of Culture 2008 by getting to the heart of what makes great cities thrive."

The event will include presentations and debates exploring how science has been incorporated into the cultural plans of cities, with case studies of some of the most successful examples in Britain and Europe.

Paul Brookes, executive director of the Culture Company and recently appointed director of Bradford's Capital of Culture team, said that, as part of the bid, Bradford must demonstrate its creativity - and how it can take science, as an aspect of culture, on board.

"I'm interested in hearing more about the unique ways in which science has made a difference to the cultural DNA of cities," he said.

"This conference is breaking new ground - once again Bradford is leading the field by staging the debate," he said.

For more details ring (01943) 603311.