REPORT: The cultural landscape of the Black Country
Between November and December 2023 Creative Black Country commissioned Earthen Lamp to undertake a study examining how the cultural landscape of the Black Country has changed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The aim of this study was to help Creative Black Country and other organisations across the Black Country better understand how to support the recovery and survival of the region’s cultural sector. We asked organisations and individuals about their situation and working practices, as well as their aspirations and fears for the future.
In total 51 survey responses were received and Earthen Lamp followed up with 12 follow-up telephone interviews which explored the issues highlighted through the survey in more depth.
The final report extends to 27 pages and demonstrates the complexities of the sector and the challenges of working across such a large region. The report paints a picture of current and future priorities for arts and culture in the Black Country and some of the major aspects highlighted were:
The funding climate and the challenges of sustaining the growth that came during the Commonwealth Games.
The importance of allowing time and space for creating connections and for networking.
A focus on working with children, young people and families.
Increased running costs and the impact of this and on austerity on organisational sustainability.
The importance of promoting and maintaining a local focus for creativity in the Black Country.
Widening participation and accessibility.
Marketing, promotion and sharing creative opportunities and events.
A continued focus on partnership working, especially with local authorities.
We have used this report to inform our strategic planning and shape our future initiatives. We aim to develop new opportunities, and partnerships that will help sustain the creative ecosystem in the Black Country. Our focus will be on nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that creativity thrives at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to larger cultural organisations. We hope that by sharing a summary of the findings that we can work together to continue to build a thriving creative community.
Thank you so much to all the organisations and individuals who contributed to this research. We’ve created a summary document which you can find here.
