The Birmingham Commonwealth Games has been awarded £6 million for a cultural festival that will run for six months from March until September 2022.
Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have each awarded £3 million to the festival which is expected to reach 2.5 million people through events that will take place throughout the West Midlands.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cultural festival will include 29 headline artistic commissions showcasing the region's creativity across arts and heritage; six open calls looking for ideas from artists and organisations, leading to a further 28 commissioned projects; and investment in 450 artists and creatives, with 90% of commissioned work from people based in or originally from the West Midlands.
Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said, "the Commonwealth Games promises to be a huge moment in the cultural calendar of 2022 and we're delighted to offer this funding for what looks set to be a fantastic festival of arts and culture.
"Our £3 million investment from the National Lottery means that the Birmingham Commonwealth Culture team can continue their ambitious plans for a truly spectacular six-month programme.
"The eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands in 2022. Thanks to National Lottery players, our investment will bring to life six months of truly spectacular artistic and cultural events showcasing the creativity, innovation and flair for which Birmingham is rightly famous around the globe."
Martin Green CBE, chief creative officer of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, added, "this funding announcement marks a welcome milestone as it takes us just over halfway to our income target for the festival.
“While there’s plenty more work to do, we’re optimistic that we can now welcome more funders who share our ambitious aims."
Birmingham City Council is giving the festival £2 million towards its £12 million target.