CULTURAL opportunities for children and young people have been boosted by a sizeable investment.

Arts Connect West Midlands has shared out £384,068 to 60 arts organisations across the region to enable them to develop inspiring new arts experiences and help them attract new funding.

The Artrix in Bromsgrove was one of six organisations to receive Arts Award Development, with a grant of £3,000 enabling them to develop the provision of Arts Awards.

The awards are open to anyone aged seven to 25 and they aim to develop a new generation of artists and arts leaders while regonising leadership and artistic achievement.

Money from the Research and Development Fund was shared among 45 organisations, with three lucky groups from Herefordshire and Worcestershire being supported to develop engaging new activities for young people and to strengthen their business models.

Wyre Forest District Council has been boosted with £4,940 and Everybody Dance in Whitbourne, near Worcester, who provide inclusive aerial and community dance, received £,5000.

The Hereford-based Rural Media Company was given £4,962 for their work as an award-winning production, education and development charity that uses creative and digital arts as a catalyst for community engagement and social change.

Rob Elkington, director of Arts Connect West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be supporting so many innovative organisations who are full of ideas and ambition for their work with children and young people.

"These significant investments across the region will improve quality and increase opportunities for children and young people to be inspired by arts and culture.

"We intend too, that our investment will contribute to the successful long term future of these organisations so they can continue to benefit young people in the long term.”

Arts Connect West Midlands is part of a national network of 10 bridge organisations funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to connect children and young people with the work of arts and cultural organisations to ensure they can access and enjoy great cultural experiences.