Charities and community organisations helping people in Walsall access careers in the creative industries can apply for grants of up to £30,000, but applications close on Sunday 2 August.
The Regional Creatives Fund has reopened for 2026, offering financial and practical support to organisations providing creative skills, training and employment opportunities for people from underserved communities.
UK-registered charities, Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations in Walsall are eligible to apply, provided they are already delivering a programme that helps people prepare for careers in the creative sector.
Individual organisations can apply for grants of up to £30,000, while regional partnerships and consortiums can seek funding of up to £100,000.
The funding can be used to expand, sustain or redevelop existing programmes that have already demonstrated a positive impact.
Eligible projects can cover a wide range of creative industries, including music, theatre, film, television, animation, podcasting, radio, gaming, photography, journalism, publishing, advertising, fashion, visual arts, comedy and digital design.
Organisations applying to the fund must demonstrate how their work creates meaningful career pathways for communities that remain underrepresented within the creative industries.
Successful applicants will also be able to access additional professional support, including mentoring, digital training, work experience and industry placements.
The fund was established in 2025 and has supported organisations delivering creative employment and training programmes in communities across the UK.
One previous recipient, Slough-based charity Beat Routes, received £10,000 to support its year-round creative employment programme. The charity said the funding had helped more than 300 young people develop skills, confidence and connections within the music industry.
Katie Nutt, from Beat Routes, said the grant had been vital in sustaining opportunities for young people who face barriers to employment.
She said: “Over the past year, it has helped more than 300 young people gain creative skills, build confidence and take real steps towards careers in the music industry.”
Applications will be considered by an independent judging panel featuring representatives from organisations including the National Theatre, BAFTA, Arts Council England, Creative Wales and Help Musicians.
Proposals will be assessed on their potential impact, approach to inclusion, industry connections, delivery plans and ability to build upon work that is already achieving results.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said widening access to creative careers was important to ensuring opportunities were available across every part of the country.
She said: “The creative sector is a leading driver of economic growth and a provider of good jobs. This Government is determined that access to those jobs should be spread across the country, and available to everyone, everywhere.”
Applications for the 2026 Regional Creatives Fund close on Sunday 2 August 2026.
