West Midlands Culture Response Unit 2026-27
Set up during COVID, our regular West Midlands Culture Response Unit (WMCRU) meetings were a vital lifeline for the sector in connecting, sharing and getting practical information and advice.
WMCRU has continued to be a useful space for organisations and individuals that Culture Central continues to support as a collective and collaborative space for all those that are interested in the cultural ecology of the region.
In 2026-27, WMCRU meetings will explore key strategic challenges and opportunities that affect the sector and the region. The sessions are aimed at those leading strategic activity in their organisations or networks. It is a place where we can all come together no matter size, scale or art form to collectively share, learn and support.
We’ve been working with members, and the WMCRU to plan and deliver our programme, with topics including higher education, AI and cultural policy. WMCRU sessions are planned in partnership with our members and sector with focus on emerging themes and priorities.
Dates and themes
Next session:
8th September 26 - Focus on Devolution with Dr Nicola Headlam, Independent Economic Advisor and Policy Fellow, City-REDI, University of Birmingham
Future sessions:
13th October 26 - How Culture Central’s ‘A Creative West Midlands’ can support your NPO application, Dr Anthony Ruck, Chief Strategy Officer, Culture Central
10th November 26 - How does the budget announcement impact on culture?
8th December 26 - How to use AI effectively and responsibly to support your organisation
You can suggest topics for future WMCRU sessions by filling in this form here.
Previous sessions:
14th April 26 - Murmuration 2026 - our collective future(s), Erica Love, Culture Central CEO, Cara Pickering & Kat Hughes, Culture Central Leadership Associates
CEO of Culture Central Erica Love and Culture Central Leadership Associates Cara Pickering and Kat Hughes led this session reflectling on what we heard at our 2026 summit Murmuration, the responses to the Hodge review of Arts Council England, and to collectively shape our future actions and think about what it means for the next year.
14th April 26 - Special WMCRU session: Inside Reform UK's changing support base, Alex Newton, Deputy Director (Strategy and Development), More in Common UK
Ahead of the May local elections, Alex Newton, Deputy Director (Strategy and Development) at More in Common UK, shared findings from From Protest to Power? The largest in-depth study of Reform’s support base, it looks at who Reform supporters are, the forces drawing people to Reform UK, as well as the potential cracks emerging in its voter base. We looked at the report through a cultural policy lens. Watch the recording here.
12th May 26 - Innovating in Higher Education, Ed Fidoe, Founder & CEO London Interdisciplinary School (LIS)
Ed Fidoe, Founder & CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), joined us at our 2026 summit Murmuration and, based on attendee feedback, we offered this WMCRU session as a ‘deep dive’ into the work of LIS. Ed shared the story of creating an institution designed to support undergraduates, graduates and professionals to tackle complex challenges. Ed spoke about insights on innovating within the UK’s higher education system, and developing the LIS MBA around six shifts: complexity, intelligence, trust, energy, ecosystems and longevity. Watch the recording here.
9th June 26 - How emerging technologies are reshaping culture, Caroline White, Business Development Manager, BOM
Caroline White, Business Development Manager at BOM, shared insights into what’s happening in technology and culture within the region. From exciting projects developed at BOM to the wider network of pioneering organisations reshaping cultural experiences, Caroline shared funding opportunities, partnerships and support for creatives, entrepreneurs, and organisations looking to develop immersive experiences. Watch the recording here.
11th August 26 – Summer Networking with CEO Erica Love, Culture Central
See 2023-2026 sessions here.
Getting involved
These meetings take place online at 9:30-10:30am on the second Tuesday of every month. Please fill out the form here to register for the sessions.
We aim to facilitate and accommodate all accessibility needs. Please email info@culturecentral.co.uk let us know if you have any specific questions, needs or comments and we will do our best to meet them.
Header Image: Audience in The Rep’s foyer. Graeme Braidwood.