Plans to support borough's culture sector revealed

Dudley Council says it wants to turn the area into a place where everyone can participate in culture

Plans to create “cultural action zones” to support Dudley’s culture sector have been announced by the borough council.

The authority said it would identify specific locations in the area that would be dedicated to hosting a broader range of activities and events.

The plan forms part of Dudley Council’s bid to increase cultural activity by commissioning community-led arts projects.

A council report said the objective was to turn Dudley into “a place where everyone can participate in culture how and if they want to”.

“Everyone will be able to access culture as they want to – from the many green spaces within the borough, beside a canal, on a high street, in a neighbourhood, in a venue or on a stage,” it added.

Research showed that 12,794 jobs in Dudley were related to the creative, cultural and tourism sectors, which adds £88m to the area’s economy.

It was estimated that the sector attracts about 1.97m visitors, adding about £88m in spending to the borough’s income.

The report, which went before a recent meeting of Dudley Council’s cabinet, said the cultural action zones would support local artists and increase pride within communities.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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