ARTS organisation Creative Black Country has been awarded nearly £1.5 million to branch out its cultural work to Dudley.

Creative Black Country has worked in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton since 2015 to bring cultural experiences to thousands of local people through performances and events.

The organisation will team up with the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Council Voluntary Service to bring more cultural experiences to the people of Dudley borough thanks to the funding from the National Lottery and Arts Council England.

Parminder Dosanjh, creative director of Creative Black Country, said: “We are over the moon. Expanding to Dudley feels like a natural step; the prospect of working as a regional programme in the Black Country is hugely exciting and we look forward to local residents benefitting from the investment.

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Council Voluntary Service, who will play an instrumental role in supporting the expansion programme going forward.”

Creative Black Country have gained prominence through their 100 Masters campaign which raised the profile of expertise, innovation and craftsmanship; the Funny Things comedy festival to promote Black Country humour and their Desi Pubs project which celebrated the unique pub culture of the Black Country.

Peter Knott, area director of Arts Council England, said: “Arts and culture make the places we live vibrant and exciting, entertaining and inspiring, benefitting our wellbeing and helping local economies.

“This National Lottery investment in Creative Black Country will see the team build on their achievements so far, with great work such as the Desi Pubs projects and 100 Masters, ensuring more people across Dudley and the Black Country can take part in and enjoy creativity in their communities.”

Creative Black Country is one of 12 successful projects to receive a share of almost £17.5 million National Lottery funding to create arts and cultural experiences in areas across England where people tend to engage less with arts and culture.

Projects will take place between 2019 and 2023 and will be co-created with the local communities.