Culture Secretary Champions Northern Creativity at Manchester’s WeCreate Conference
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer praised northern England’s vibrant creative scene at the WeCreate conference in Manchester. The event gathered over 140 cultural and creative businesses to spotlight the government’s ambitious £50 billion growth plan for the creative industries by 2030.
£267 Million Boost for Drug and Alcohol Treatment
In a major announcement, the government revealed that local authorities across England will receive nearly £267 million in 2024 to improve drug and alcohol treatment services. The funding aims to hire more specialised staff, support prison leavers in accessing treatment, and cut crime by expanding structured recovery programmes.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said, “Investing in drug and alcohol treatment can save lives and reduce crime.”
This funding builds on three years of government investment, guided by Dame Carol Black’s independent review. The goal: a world-class recovery system that tackles drug use, lowers crime rates, and saves lives.
Manchester’s WeCreate Conference Showcases Northern Talent and Tech
Hosted at Aviva Studios, the WeCreate conference celebrated creative industries thriving across the North. Panel discussions focused on unlocking investment and harnessing cutting-edge technologies like AI to supercharge growth. Attendees included Northern businesses, Pinewood Studios, and the British Fashion Council.
New Programmes and Funds to Fuel Creative and Music Sectors
- The Create Growth Programme expands to six new areas with £10.9 million to help creative businesses secure private investment and scale up.
- The Supporting Grassroots Music Fund launches to boost music venues, promoters, and festivals with grants aimed at new revenue streams and better music experiences.
- Darren Henley, Arts Council England CEO, called the funding “vital” for grassroots music, empowering communities to build cultural projects.
Coinciding with Discover! Creative Careers Week, these initiatives offer young people fresh pathways into creative jobs, complementing skills training improvements under the Local Skills Improvement Fund.
Creative Industries Set for a Bright Future
The government’s long-term vision aims to turn the UK’s creative industries into a £50 billion powerhouse by 2030. With fresh funding and new programmes, the sector is poised to deliver huge economic and cultural benefits, cementing its role as a UK success story.
