Culture Inquiry: A Region Ready to Lead

Last week, CalComms proudly brought the West Midlands’ cultural sector together for three high‑energy evidence sessions in Worcester, Stafford and Birmingham and the message was loud and clear: the region’s creative potential is huge, but it needs the right backing to truly soar.

As Secretariat for the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the West Midlands, we heard directly from grassroots innovators, cultural powerhouses and local leaders. Their insights painted a compelling picture of a region rich in creativity, community spirit and ambition.

A Creative Pipeline Under Pressure, But Full of Promise

Participants spoke openly about the pressures facing the next generation of creators: shrinking arts provision in schools, limited specialist teachers and too many young people struggling to move from passion to paid opportunity.

But the opportunity is there. Informal learning, youth work and early exposure are transforming young people’s confidence and aspirations. With the right support, this pipeline could become one of the region’s greatest strengths.

Breaking Down Barriers to Participation

From rural towns to city neighbourhoods, the call was clear: cultural access must be fairer. Transport challenges, hidden deprivation and uneven investment continue to lock out communities.

Yet everywhere we went, we heard inspiring examples of local, culturally rooted projects rebuilding pride and belonging. Co‑designed, community‑led culture works; and the West Midlands is leading the way.

Creativity as Social Infrastructure

In Birmingham, contributors highlighted something powerful: culture isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s essential. Creative spaces combat loneliness, strengthen social ties and breathe new life into high streets. Hyper-local networks are thriving, and their impact is real.

Funding Fragility and a Clear Path Forward

Despite the energy and innovation on display, the message on funding was unambiguous. Short-term cycles and patchy distribution are holding the sector back. What works? Small, flexible investment that supports volunteer-led and early‑stage work.

Many also championed the potential of Cultural Compacts, provided they’re properly resourced and empowered to coordinate cultural activity across places.

Momentum Is Building

Across all three sessions, optimism was unmistakable. Partnerships are strengthening. Ambition is rising. And there’s a shared desire to flip the narrative, from crisis to opportunity. With sustained investment, clearer progression routes and place‑sensitive policy, the West Midlands can become a national leader in inclusive, community-driven culture.

Thank You and What’s Next

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, shared insights and submitted written evidence ahead of yesterday’s consultation deadline. The response has been outstanding, and it will shape the Inquiry’s final report, set to be unveiled at the APPG’s Parliamentary Reception on 4 March.

Want to learn more about the Cultural Inquiry? You're in the right place! Make sure to stay tuned for more updates.

Discover more about our work with APPGs at www.calcomms.co.uk/westminster.