West Midlands Combined Authority has announced that it is committing ‘much-needed’ funding to arts, cultural, heritage organisations in the region.
Investment worth £20 million will be allocated to organisations, with this coming in the form of £10 million that was announced during Wednesday’s Budget, £6 million from the Commonwealth Games underspend (the government agreed that this would be reinvested in the region), and a further £4 million coming as a result of the deeper devolution deal that was agreed last year.
By committing this money, the WMCA has doubled its investment into the arts, culture, and heritage sector, with this helping to recognise the significant role that it plays in bringing economic and social value to the region.
The combined authority is already supporting the sector as it brings more live events to communities, with the Black Country Festival, Coventry Govida Festival and Birmingham Weekender all benefitting from £1.5 million of essential investment.
Alongside funding for those events, local authorities are to benefit from a share of £2 million so that they can provide more direct support for local activities within their communities.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“The benefits that our vibrant arts, cultural and heritage scene brings to our region should not be underestimated - not least in providing jobs for nearly 100,000 people. It also attracts tens of thousands more visitors to our region from across the UK and beyond, eager to enjoy unique social gatherings and shows. We know that coming together in this way is incredibly important to people’s good health and general wellbeing.
“But after weathering the storm of Covid, many organisations in this vital sector are now fearful of being held back as the existing funding streams they rely on either slow down or in some cases start to dry up completely.”
Skills funding worth £2.2 million is to benefit communities through the provision of free skills bootcamps covering immersive arts, digital, social media, and content creation so that skills gaps can be plugged.
Chair of the West Midlands Cultural Leadership Board, Skinder Hundal added:
“The West Midlands’ cultural and creative sector is one of our biggest success stories and this significant investment from the WMCA and Government will help to secure our international reputation and place on the global stage.
“The Cultural Leadership Board is committed to standing alongside our regions’ creatives, colleagues, agencies, cultural partners to advocate for thoughtful and strategic economic policies which have the power to improve lives, improve opportunities, improve health and wellbeing, and develop skills and enterprise.”
Image credit: iStock
