Arts Service
Introduction
The Arts Service aims to get more local people active in the arts and to increase the value of the sector to the local economy. This is achieved by providing, developing and funding exciting and accessible high quality arts activities which involve residents and attract visitors. The service also provides advice and support to arts organisations, community groups, individual artists and public bodies concerning all aspects of the arts.
The Service is divided into Community Arts, Arts & Young People and Festivals & Initiatives teams. Activities are also commissioned through grant schemes. There is more information about each of these areas available from the links below.
The Arts in Birmingham
Birmingham’s arts scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its population. A range of internationally significant venues and companies, together with smaller companies, individual artists and designer makers and amateur arts activities make up a sector which turnsover £67m each year.
Arts activities continue to grow. 37,000 arts events took place in the City in 2007-08, of which 2000 were free to attend. 3.3m attendances were recorded at the box office.
Birmingham arts organisations spent £11m in the city in 2007-08. More than 8000 people are employed in the arts in Birmingham and 70% of these also live in the city, spending their income here. Local people are important in supporting the sector and volunteering in the arts has increased by 200% over the last three years.
This data is from the Birmingham Arts Survey – The State of the Arts 2005-08.
Birmingham Cultural Strategy
The Birmingham Cultural Partnership (BCP) is part of the Be Birmingham
family of thematic partnerships which aim to bring public, private and
third sectors together to plan and deliver improved outcomes for people who
live in Birmingham. The BCP is responsible for the development and delivery of the City’s Cultural Strategy and the cultural elements of the Local Area Agreement.
More information about the Cultural Partnership is available at www.bebirmingham.org.uk
The BCP is also leading on Birmingham's bid to be the UK City of Culture 2013. Its Big City Culture theme reflects the city’s status as a global city with a world class programme of arts and cultural activities along with a local heart offering a rich variety of these activities within its diverse communities. www.canvasbirmingham.com enables members of the public to put forward their own suggestions of what they would like to see happen in 2013.
To contact the Arts Service please telephone 0121 303 2434 or email arts_team@birmingham.gov.uk
Arts Service Pages:
Arts Listings and More Information:
For arts listings in Birmingham, please visit www.artscentral.co.uk
For more information regarding visiting the City, please visit www.visitbirmingham.com