A plan to boost the workings of the cultural sector in North East Worcestershire has received an Arts Council England grant.

£20,000 has been secured to create a new form of partnership called a ‘cultural compact’ across Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough, to bring together people and organisations that can support the contribution culture makes to people’s lives and the local economy.

A compact emphasises engagement between cultural sector organisations and other organisations that may be outside that sector, but which share compatible ambitions with it.

An independent chair, Jane Earl, a cultural sector expert and former CEO and civil servant, will now support the formation of the new compact.

Jane said: “Compacts seek to use leadership, investment, and talent to maximise the use of cultural resources in an area and harness the transformative potential culture has to drive inclusive growth.

“This cultural compact is an exciting new opportunity for a cross-sector partnership of agencies and businesses to work together across the area. Together, the combined strengths and expertise of local partners can bring new possibilities for the cultural sector, and its impact on our lives and the economy, into reach.”

A range of partners and projects will now be invited to join the compact including the National Trust, the Canals and Rivers Trust, Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery, the Artrix Holding Trust, Rubicon Leisure, local authorities, and more.

To enquire about your business or organisation joining the compact, please contact Huw Moseley in Bromsgrove District Council’s Development Services on h.moseley@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.

The district council and Redditch Borough Council applied for the grant after identifying the opportunity to develop co-operation and collaboration across the two council areas.

Bromsgrove District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Cultural Services and Community Safety, Cllr Phil Thomas, said: “With great things to see and do already in our area and opportunities for more, we’re delighted that our development services have been able to secure funding to help that kick on.

“Everyone benefits from a healthy cultural sector, which boosts our wellbeing and stimulates the economy too. The pandemic has been an extraordinarily tough time but there are many ideas across the community that could benefit from coming together in ways that encourage investment and development.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “Culture and creativity have a powerful effect in improving lives and wellbeing, developing communities and unlocking the economic potential for towns and cities.

“Bromsgrove has a rich history of industry and creativity – from sculpture to ironwork – and we look forward to seeing the impact the Cultural Compact will bring to the district as it builds stronger communities and new networks across a broad range of partners.”Work will now begin in January when an initial meeting will be held for partners to establish a working agreement for the new compact. After that, partners will meet regularly to identify opportunities to work together.