A NEW partnership to boost the cultural sector across Redditch and Bromsgrove has been created thanks to funding from the Arts Council.

The councils have secured £20,000 to create a ‘cultural compact’ across Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District, to bring people and organisations together that can support the contribution culture makes to people’s lives.

An independent chair, Jane Earl, a cultural sector expert and former civil servant, is set to support the formation of the new compact.

Ms Earl 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 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 and Rubicon Leisure.

Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, Cllr Jo Beecham, said: “Nurturing the wealth of culture in Redditch is one of our priorities, because it doesn’t just bring leisure opportunities that enrich our lives, it brings economic benefits too.

“Exploring new ways to develop and invest in arts and culture in Redditch can only benefit our residents and businesses and I’m pleased the Arts Council is supporting this work.”

Work is set to begin in January when an initial meeting will be held for partners to establish a working agreement for the new compact.

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To enquire about a business or organisation joining the compact, contact Huw Moseley on h.moseley@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.