Democratising Creativity and Culture After the success of the Midsummer Festival, which saw over 25,000 website hits and 9000 live digital attendees, the West Midlands Cultural Response Unit (WMCRU) returns with West Midlands Weekenders. The Weekenders are a trio of events which will showcase the diversity and innovation of the region’s arts. The last Weekender
We recently worked with Indigo Ltd to research how audiences feel about returning to arts events, and firstly must say a big thank you to all the artists and organisations who shared the survey through your channels. The research attracted 5700 responses, most from the West Midlands, and the findings are now available for you
CALLING ALL WEST MIDLANDS BASED ARTISTS/CREATIVES AGED 16 to 30 26th September – Democratising Creativity and Culture ~ Callout from producers Aksana Khan, Diandra McCalla and Paige Jackson ~ We’re looking for submissions from young artists/creatives across the West Midlands who wish to share their art and or creative practice as part of the West
Following the recent Midsummer Festival, lots of you said you’d like to collaborate on even more regional artistic activity. With that in mind, there are another three showcase events being planned for August and September, and we’d love to have as many artists and organisations represented as possible. If you have video/recorded content ready to go,
Monday 25th January, 12 noon – 1pm If you are responsible for Marketing and/or Communications in your organisation, you are invited to join this update meeting to hear all the latest Comms updates from the Culture Response Unit, and share your news. Please RSVP to press@culturecentral.co.uk and the Zoom link will be sent out to you nearer
Festivals across the West Midlands are currently unable to welcome back visitors with many major cultural events and outdoor festivals such as Birmingham Pride, Download Festival and Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell Jazz Festival in 2020 either cancelled or postponed, causing an unprecedented impact to culture across the region. Whilst COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the sector, artists and organisers across the region have been busy finding innovative new ways of bringing
Monthly on Tuesdays 12 noon to 2pm. Forthcoming Meetings: Tuesday 9 February Tuesday 9 March This regular meeting is for anyone interested in practicalities of re-starting artistic activity and programming. The agenda usually includes: Update on national strategies Updates on sector/venue/activity action groups Focus on practicalities of social distancing, health and safety, training, licensing etc.
Wednesdays, 12 noon to 2pm. Forthcoming meeting dates: 20 January 3 February 17 February 3 March This regular meeting is for anyone interested in the creative narrative and coordination of artistic programme in the mid and long term. To RSVP and request the Zoom link, email cru@culturecentral.co.uk with ARTY CRU and the date of the
We are delighted that the UK Government are providing the arts and culture sector a £1.5bn support package, an investment that will provide much-needed aid to our industry in critical times. Thank you to the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Culture Secretary for recognising the vital role that the arts play for the nation. Thank you also to the voices that have been working hard for the industry, this announcement enforces the power of collaboration and collective
On 23rd March 2020, along with huge swathes of the country, Covid-19 shut down our cultural life, having a devastating impact on the national economy, communities and so many talented workers. Despite the gradual relaxation of the lockdown this decision continues to have a disastrous impact on the lives of individuals and organisations working in
