West Midlands Culture Inquiry – What We Heard

As the Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the West Midlands, CalComms was delighted to host three in-person evidence sessions across the region as part of the APPG’s Inquiry into Culture, Place & Liveability. 

From grassroots organisers to major cultural leaders, the depth of insight shared was poignant, and underlined both the strengths and fragility of the West Midland’s cultural ecosystem.

Across sessions in Worcester, Stafford and Birmingham, a clear picture emerged of pressure on the creative pipeline. Contributors described declining arts uptake in schools, reduced specialist teaching and a persistent disconnect between education and creative careers. Guests highlighted how formal education alone cannot sustain the pipeline - with informal routes, youth work and early exposure playing a vital role in shaping creative identity. However, progression pathways remain patchy, with too many young people “stuck” between participation and paid opportunity.

Access and participation were another strong theme. Evidence pointed to persistent geographic inequalities, particularly in rural areas where transport and hidden deprivation limit engagement. Contributors rightly emphasised the need for more place-sensitive approaches. There was also a consistent call for co-designed participation models that reflect lived experience - with local organisations demonstrating how culturally rooted, community-led work builds trust, pride and belonging.

We also heard powerful evidence about the social role of culture. In Birmingham, those who spoke described creativity as a form of social infrastructure, tackling loneliness and isolation through welcoming, low-barrier activity. Similarly, the strength of hyper-local ecosystems was highlighted along with the impact of embedded cultural practice in high streets and communities.

At the same time, many contributors spoke about systemic fragility. A recurring concern was the funding landscape, often characterised by short-term cycles, uneven geographic distribution and an over-reliance on project funding. Stakeholders consistently emphasised the value of small, flexible investment, particularly for volunteer-led and early-stage work. There was also strong support for Cultural Compacts as potential coordinating mechanisms, if properly resourced.

From a regional perspective, larger institutions reinforced these findings. Structural skills gaps were pointed to along with infrastructure deficits and the need to position culture as a growth sector. 

There was a genuine call to shift from a narrative of crisis to one of opportunity, which resonated strongly across discussions.

Despite the challenges, the sessions gave off a powerful sense of momentum. Grassroots innovation is thriving, partnerships are emerging, and there is real appetite for more coordinated regional working. The evidence suggests that with sustained investment, stronger progression routes and more place-sensitive policy, the West Midlands has the foundations to build a more resilient and inclusive cultural future.

We are extremely grateful to all contributors who shared their time and insight. With today marking the deadline for the Cultural Inquiry consultation, we would also like to thank everyone who submitted written evidence. The strength and volume of submissions has been remarkable. We have no doubt these contributions will play a vital role in shaping the final Inquiry Report, which the APPG plans to unveil at its forthcoming Parliamentary Reception on 4 March.