New support for West Midlands’ cultural and creative industries

A new plan to capitalise on the potential of the region’s cultural and creative industries to help grow the economy has been launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The next two years will see investment in the arts, heritage and culture to support the ambition and capacity of the sectors, recognising their significant economic and social value to the region.

As part of this latest investment, the WMCA will use £1 million of funds to offer a package of sector-specific skills and business support which early and mid-career freelancers, small cultural organisations and creative businesses say they need to help them develop and prosper.

Applications are now open to join the Activate programme, which will provide up to 100 individuals and small organisations with tailored workshops, mentoring, masterclasses, networking opportunities and wellbeing support.

The programme will also include internships to get the next generation of talent into work within the cultural and creative sectors, helping to support the mayor’s new flagship plan to tackle high levels of youth unemployment,

Additionally, the Future Boards Accelerator will support future leaders to develop the skills and confidence they need to take up positions on governing boards.

Later this year, small grants will be made available to pay for even more targeted learning and personal development opportunities.

Mayor Richard Parker said: “The West Midlands’ cultural and creative sector is one of the biggest in the country – and the people at its heart make a remarkable social and economic contribution to our region.

“They must be able to look to the public sector for our support and they have already told us that one of the biggest barriers to success is the lack of sector specific support to sustain and grow their businesses.

“That’s why we’re stepping in to launch this new Activate programme to unlock the potential of talented and creative entrepreneurs by helping them to gain new skills, make new connections, and access much needed grants.

“Tackling youth unemployment is key to my mission as West Midlands mayor, so I’m delighted we’re supporting young people taking those important first or early steps in their careers and also offering internships to support the next generation of talent coming through.”