Charities and community organisations supporting people into Birmingham’s creative industries have until Sunday 2 August to apply for grants worth up to £30,000.
The Regional Creatives Fund has reopened for 2026, offering financial support to established programmes that help people from underserved communities develop skills and pursue careers across the creative sector.
Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations already delivering creative skills or employment programmes.
Birmingham organisations can apply individually for grants of up to £30,000. Partnerships involving organisations from the same region may apply for combined funding of up to £100,000.
The funding could support programmes covering music, theatre, film, television, radio, podcasting, gaming, journalism, publishing, photography, fashion, visual arts, advertising, comedy and digital design.
Birmingham charity Music for Youth received £29,975 from the fund in 2025, demonstrating the potential for locally based organisations to secure substantial support.
Applicants must show that they are already running a programme that helps people from underrepresented backgrounds prepare for careers in the creative industries. Funding is intended to sustain, expand or develop work that is already producing measurable results.
Projects could include music production training, portfolio development, technical theatre experience, journalism skills, mentoring, digital media training or placements with creative employers.
The fund, established by Amazon in 2025, also offers successful organisations access to additional professional support, which may include mentoring, work experience, placements and digital training.
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel drawn from organisations including the National Theatre, BAFTA, Arts Council England, Help Musicians and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Judges will consider the proposed impact of each project, the strength and practicality of its delivery plan, its industry connections and how effectively it supports voices that remain underrepresented within the creative workforce.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the creative industries were an important source of economic growth and employment, adding that opportunities should be available to people across every part of the country.
The programme comes as Birmingham continues to build on its reputation as a major centre for television, music, theatre, digital production, gaming and the wider creative economy.
Applications close on Sunday 2 August 2026.
