Turning Point West Midlands (TPWM), the network that works to strengthen the visual arts in the West Midlands, has been awarded a grant from Arts Council England to deliver TPWM Projects over the next two years.
The network has been awarded £220,000 National Lottery funding by Arts Council England through its Grants for the arts scheme.
This major award, the first of its scale for the TP network in England, will be channelled to deliver TPWM projects including a number of artist residences and writing bursaries to promote new thinking and ideas, and engage with new audiences.
TPWM will work with partner organisations, groups and individuals to deliver a new model of professional development for artists, and run a series of events to initiate new conversations and critical debate about the visual arts.
Professor John Butler, Head of the School of Art at Birmingham City University and Chair of TPWM, said: "We are delighted to have received this investment which will be used to strengthen infrastructure in the visual arts, create more opportunities for artists, address gaps and campaign for growth and change."
Kate Pryor-Williams, Relationship Manager (Visual Arts) for Arts Council England in the West Midlands, comments: "This award will allow Turning Point West Midlands to continue the great work it has been doing uniting and working to strengthen the visual arts sector in the region. We look forward to seeing the future opportunities for artists and exciting projects that will result from this grant. The West Midlands contains a wealth of artistic talent and this needs to be profiled and celebrated more widely"
In addition to delivering new projects, TPWM will continue its work in nurturing new talent and supporting artists across the region, their placement and promotion on a national and international scale, and its role as an advocate for the visual arts in the West Midlands.
To mark the investment announcement, TPWM has launched a campaign to encourage people to Love the Visual Arts.
For further details about TPWM visit www.tpwestmidlands.org.uk or find TPWM on Twitter @TPWestMidlands and Facebook – Turning Point West Midlands.