£3.1 million to diversify cultural talent in the West country
A new creative partnership will engage 150 local organisations with underrepresented communities to transform the region’s creative and cultural sector.
We’ve awarded the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority £1 million from our National Lottery Place Partnerships Fund. Alongside £1.5 million in match funding from WECA and a further £640,000 from delivery partners, the combined package for creativity totals £3.14 million.
From 2023-26, WECA seeks to engage local venues, councils, and health and education providers with children and young people, to achieve an ambitious vision of cultural regeneration. By diversifying who gets to create and experience culture today, the sector can retain diverse talent tomorrow.
“Each one of us, no matter our personal characteristics, should be able to live, learn and work creatively” says Phil Gibby, South West Area Director at Arts Council England, adding “that is why we are thrilled to commit £1 million in public funding… ensuring access and inclusion are placed at the heart of cultural experiences in Bristol and beyond.”
Led by Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England the partnership pledge to provide each child and young person in the area with at least one cultural experience each year. Families can expect organised trips to the West of England’s theatres and galleries, as well as in-school visits from musicians, painters, and poets.
Plans include a new regional agency, Culture West, which will drive economic growth in the region with the culminated expertise of local arts organisations; Creative Youth Network, Super Culture, and Bath Spa University. The offer for businesses includes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and expert training, mentorship schemes, apprenticeships, a start-up incubator and financial support for over 400 freelancers.
This is a pivotal moment for the region’s freelance community – one we are confident will be felt for many decades to come.” - Phil Gibby, South West Area Director
Working with the region’s renowned live arts and festival scene, Culture West will empower Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities to pursue a career in production. Participants will deliver two new performing arts and music festivals that are estimated to reach over 380,000 people. Events include DIASPORA! a celebration of BIPOC Global Ethnic Majority artists in the region and Citizen’s Assembly in 2024. More details are to be announced.
School students will benefit from an enriched timetable with increased access to cultural activities. Each child and young person in the area will attend at least one cultural experience each year – including organised trips to the West of England’s theatres and galleries, as well as visits from musicians, painters, and poets.
Creativity and culture runs through our region’s veins – it really is the lifeblood of the West of England and is part of what makes us special and world-beating. I’m proud to back our fantastic creative talent here in the West of England.” Dan Norris, Metro Mayor of the West of England
