Arts funding boosted to £20m across West Midlands

It comes after the Chancellor announced £10million in funding in yesterday's budget.

The Rep theatre in Birmingham is among those set to lose all council funding
Author: Kellie MaddoxPublished 7th Mar 2024
Last updated 15th Apr 2024

A £10million funding pledge by the government to help arts and cultural groups in the West Midlands will be matched by the region's combined authority.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made the announcement in his budget yesterday (6 March), and the West Midlands Combined Authority has now confirmed it will also provide £10million in financial support.

Earlier this week, Birmingham City Council signed off plans to cut all of its funding to arts and culture organisations over the next two years as part of it's budget saving measures.

Mayor Andy Street 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.

“This will give our cultural sector a timely shot in the arm – not least in the wake of Birmingham City Council’s cuts - as we continue to build on the successful legacy generated by the Commonwealth Games. It also means we can put more money directly into the hands of those cultural organisations, big and small, that enrich our lives on a daily basis.

“Our goal now is to get this funding out to frontline organisations as quickly as possible so it can provide maximum impact and help protect our cultural sector.”

Funding for culture and heritage from the WMCA is already supporting events across the region, with £1.5m to ensure this year’s Black Country Festival, Coventry Govida Festival and Birmingham Weekender can take place.

Skinder Hundal, chair of the West Midlands Cultural Leadership Board, said: “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.

“Our sector is resilient, evolving and focused on a future in which our exceptional talent, with the right support, will continue to thrive in a region which is home to the world’s most exciting innovators and storytellers.”

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