Funding boost for Midlands and West of England creative sector
Hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK are to receive government funding to help them grow as part of a major boost to the economy – marking the first step of the Government’s Sector Plan for the creative industries.
And the government is to provide additional funding to six Mayoral Combined Authorities including The West Midlands and West of England.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "... the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming Industrial Strategy and will continue to play a key part in this government’s Plan for Change.
"Our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this Government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK.
"Our £60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country."
Welcoming the news, West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “The West of England is rightly celebrated as a global leader in culture and creativity. From being the birthplace of Banksy and Wallace & Gromit to pioneering advancements in 360-degree video and cutting-edge design, creativity is woven into the fabric of our region.
“This £175,000 funding will not only support innovative firms like those in Bristol and Bath to grow and scale but also open up more opportunities for our talented communities.
“Plus, our priority region status will unlock untapped potential to create new jobs, grow local businesses, and ensure culture remains at the heart of our region’s identity.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "The West Midlands is bursting with incredible talent in film, TV, theatre, gaming, and beyond. With this government backing, the BBC’s Tea Factory in Digbeth, and the film production hub with Steven Knight, we’re turning our region into a creative powerhouse.
"This isn't just about entertainment, it will create jobs, attract fresh investment and continue to spark innovation. This will deliver real opportunities for local people and help to revitalise our communities. The West Midlands isn’t just part of the UK’s creative economy; I want it to be the beating heart."
The British Business Bank, which supports £17.4 billion of finance to over 64,000 smaller businesses, has committed to increase its support for creative businesses to access the finance they need to grow.
The £60 million package of support from the Culture Secretary is comprised of: £40 million in funding over the next financial year. This includes a further £16.3 million for the Create Growth Programme, £2.5 million for the Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, £5.5 million for the UK Games Fund, £1.6 million for the Music Export Growth Scheme and £7 million for the UK Global Screen Fund.
Four cultural projects are to receive £16.2 million from the Cultural Development Fund. One of these is based in North Somerset. Cultural venue, The Tropicana, will receive £2.7 million to complete the final development phase and transformation of the historic seafront complex into a flagship cultural centre in Weston-super-Mare.
