News / Black South West Network
New fund to tackle lack of racial diversity in creative industries
A new fund hopes to tackle the lack of racial diversity in Bristol’s creative industries.
CultureBiz Connect is described as a “game-changing” talent development programme which is designed to “supercharge” the careers of 15 Black and Racially Minoritised aspiring creatives.
Delivered by Black South West Network, the programme includes masterclasses with industry experts on being a freelancer, business essentials, building a brand and accessing funding.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Arts Council England have partnered with some 150 organisations to co-create a new targeted approach.
The £3.1m investment will also provide mentoring and business advice for freelancers, start-ups and established sector organisations, commission new festivals, and provide industry-led skills training and guidance.
Successful applicants will receive a £5,000 grant which includes £2,500 to cover participation in CultureBiz Connect and £2,500 to produce new work to be unveiled at a celebratory event in September.
BSWN director Sado Jirde said: “We are thrilled to be working with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and partners on this transformative initiative.
“The CultureBiz Connect Programme is an exciting multidimensional research led incubator and grant opportunity to support Black and Minoritised artists and cultural producers in the West of England, equipping them with the tools, networks and resources they need to sustain and grow their creative practice.
“At BSWN, we are committed to fostering an equitable and sustainable creative sector and this programme is a vital step towards that vision.”
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West of England metro mayor Dan Norris, added: “CultureBiz Connect is an important part of Culture West, my Mayoral Combined Authority’s programme to invest in the cultural and creative sectors which have put the West of the England on the world map.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to get on in their career so I’m delighted to see Black South West Network leading this project to help better reflect our region’s diversity in this sector, with new grants and support.”
For more information about CultureBiz Connect, visit www.blacksouthwestnetwork.org/culturebiz
Main photo: Black South West Network
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