From cutting-edge film studios to vibrant festivals, internationally acclaimed museums to hidden artistic gems, the West of England is bursting with culture and creative energy.

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Our region’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic creative industries not only inspire visitors, but also drive innovation, talent, and investment, making us one of the UK’s leading centres for creativity and culture.

From cutting-edge film studios to vibrant festivals, internationally acclaimed museums to hidden artistic gems, the West of England is bursting with culture and creative energy. Our region’s rich cultural heritage and dynamic creative industries not only inspire visitors, but also drive innovation, talent, and investment, making us one of the UK’s leading centres for creativity and culture. 

The Cultural, Creative & Visitor Economy Service plays a vital role in supporting this growth by developing the region’s creative, cultural, and visitor sectors. We deliver grant programmes, targeted funding, business support and strategic guidance to help creative businesses grow, improve job opportunities for creative professionals, make cultural spaces more accessible to all, and support the sectors to become more resilient. 

We also work in partnership with Visit West to develop and promote the region as a premier destination for national and international leisure and business visitors and attract long-term investment. Together, we raise the quality and profile of the West of England nationally and internationally, positioning it as a must-visit location while supporting local businesses, communities, and the workforce. By aligning cultural, creative, and tourism strategies, we take a holistic approach to growing the visitor economy ensuring the benefits are felt across the entire region.

Programmes and initiatives

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Culture West
An ambitious and innovative two-year £3.1 million programme part funded by Arts Council England, which is opening up the cultural sector to more diverse talent, upskilling our workforce, ensuring more communities have the opportunity to take part and create art experiences, and building a resilient sector that will drive economic growth in the West of England.
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Create Growth Programme
Providing targeted business support and investment readiness training for high growth potential businesses in the creative industries
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Cultural Compact
The West of England Cultural Plan aims to focus and amplify the role of culture in the region, as a driver for economic success, placemaking, community cohesion and personal wellbeing. The Cultural Compact is a strategic grouping of cross sector partners, funders, stakeholders, the community and the creative and cultural sector who come together to help deliver on regional priorities identified in the Cultural Plan.
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The impact we're having

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority have been committed to supporting the Creative sector in the region, offering £2.2m in grant funding to 381 Creative Businesses and Freelancers as well as a range of business support offers.

Reveal our impact