West Midland launches cultural and creative skills support

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has launched a two-year scheme to invest in the arts, heritage and culture sector.

The proposals include spending £1m on a programme of sector-specific skills and business support for early- and mid-career freelancers, small cultural organisations, and creative businesses.

Up to 100 individuals and small organisations can join the Activate programme, receiving tailored workshops, mentoring, masterclasses, networking opportunities and well-being support.

The programme will also include internships to encourage younger people to work in the cultural and creative sectors, part of WMCA Mayor Richard Parker's plan to reduce high levels of youth unemployment.

In addition, WMCA will run a Future Boards Accelerator scheme to help people develop skills and confidence to take up positions on governing boards.

Applications are now open to join the Activate programme, and later this year, small grants will also be available to pay for "targeted learning" and "personal development opportunities".

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."