Can the West Midlands be the UK culture capital?
The West Midlands can become one of Britain's cultural epicentres by building on its rich industrial heritage, the Culture Secretary has said.
Karen Bradley told the Express & Star it was time to push the region's creative industries as she admitted she has been impressed with Birmingham's bid to be the new home of Channel 4.
The Staffordshire Moorlands MP visited the second city to discuss cultural regeneration with Conservative West Midlands Mayor candidate Andy Street.
She said: "We have to get away from thinking that industry is just about making widgets.
"You have to remember that if you want people to put factories in places to build widgets with good quality jobs you need somewhere for those highly skilled workers to go in the evenings.
"You need places for them to enjoy themselves... somewhere for their children to learn. Places need more than low business rates and decent commuter facilities.
"You need to be a place where people want to be. That's what the West Midlands is doing by showing all the great things we have got."
She said the region's industrial heritage adds to the 'incredible natural beauty we have here'.
"Culture is a fantastic opportunity for creativity, innovation, change and economic development," she added.
Last week Mrs Bradley announced plans for a public consultation on moving Channel 4 out of London after suggesting the broadcaster should be making more of a contribution to the rest of the country.
Mrs Bradley said: "Channel 4 has got 820 staff, with only 30 located outside central London.
"It doesn't seem to me to make sense that a public service broadcaster owned by the public, shouldn't make a contribution to jobs and the economy outside London.
"The reality is they spend more than twice the amount in London than they do in the regions. That's needs to be considered and it is why we are starting a consultation later this month.
"I want to hear from different areas to find out what they can contribute to get Channel 4 out of London. I have a very open mind but I have been impressed by how quickly Birmingham's been off the blocks with this."
Mr Street, who is campaigning to bring Channel 4 to the West Midlands, said the success of the BBC's move to the Mailbox proved the region's suitability for large media organisations.
