Support for West Yorkshire’s creative industries set for £2.3m boost this month

New initiatives designed to boost West Yorkshire’s creative industries will be launched later this month, following investment from Mayor Tracy Brabin.

The £2.3m support package, approved by leaders in July, aims to grow the sector as part of the region’s new ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme.

It includes business and skills training to support freelancers, help for creative businesses to increase their exports, and investment for venues to become more accessible to disabled artists and audiences.

The package includes £520k of funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for the ‘Create Growth’ programme, to drive equity investment in creative industries businesses.

More opportunities for young people from disadvantaged groups to break down the barriers and secure employment in television and film production roles will also be introduced, through an extension of support for the Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme, run by Screen Yorkshire.

This will help creative sector businesses to develop a more diverse pool of skilled people to take on the specialist roles needed across the region. The sector is booming and the number of creative job opportunities advertised in West Yorkshire grew three times faster than the national average last year.

The investment into these new initiatives cements the Mayor’s commitment to support freelancers that were excluded from receiving support during the pandemic, as well as her election pledge to deliver a ‘Creative New Deal’ for the region.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin commented: “Our creative industries and freelancers have had a rough ride over the last few years, so we’re stepping up to ensure they’re fully supported.

“It’s an exciting time for culture in West Yorkshire and I want everyone to have the chance to unleash their potential. Culture drives growth, and devolution has given us this incredible opportunity to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Leader of Wakefield Council, Cllr Denise Jeffery added: “This support package has come at a really important time as we gear up for Our Year - Wakefield District 2024, a huge 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity.

“We have some exciting events and activities lined up and this funding offers a real boost to our plans. It will provide support for local creative individuals and businesses, helping them to grow and take advantage of the opportunities Our Year will bring, as well as building quality employment opportunities for our residents into the future.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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