Culture

West Midlands has a rich and diverse cultural sector, and arguably the largest cluster of arts organisations outside London.

Over recent years West Midlands Combined Authority's primary role around culture has been as an enabler and influencer to ensure our arts and cultural sector can thrive.

That is expanding in 2023, as we launch new funding streams and work in closer partnership with government and arms-length bodies, such as Arts Council England. Other activities of the cultural work at WMCA include:

• ensuring the wider benefits of arts, culture and heritage are embedded across other WMCA policy areas such as Housing and Land, Public Service Reform and Skills
• advocating for projects that bring wider benefits to our region
• enabling research and innovation within the sector
• advocating for our arts and cultural sector nationally and internationally and developing a deeper devolution deal for the region working with government and arms lengths bodies including Arts Council England and Historic England
• Developing a WMCA geography Cultural and Heritage Strategic Framework

Supporting our cultural projects

Why culture matters

How we're working to support our culture and heritage

Funding and support

Where to access help and advice

Advisory Groups and West Midlands Combined Authority

Meet our board and representatives from the sector

West Midlands Cultural Sector Research Project

Find out about collaboration across arts and culture

Cultural Advocacy Toolkit and Research Reports

Find assets to support our cultural projects