Arts groups to benefit from £1m cash pot

The aim, it says, is to help them build successful and sustainable fundraising models.

The organisations include Sandwell's The People's Orchestra, which will receive £150,000 and Black Country Touring, which will also receive £150,000.

Frances Land , Co-Artistic Director of Black Country Touring, said: "This is really fantastic news for Black Country Touring.

"It will be invaluable in supporting our fundraising capacity over the next three years, helping to strengthen the company for the future as well as enabling us to continue making available high quality performing arts for the diverse communities of the Black Country. It is just brilliant."

The investment comes from the Arts Council's Catalyst Evolve programme and will cover the organisations until 2018.

This new initiative is aimed at supporting organisations with a limited track record in fundraising to attract more private giving.

It offers match-funding to incentivise philanthropic giving, whilst investing in the skills, capacity and culture of organisations to enable them to raise philanthropic income.

Money which is raised by the organisations will be matched by the fund over the next three years.

Peter Knott, Area Director from the Arts Council England, said: "Across the Midlands, arts and cultural organisations are working hard to secure alternative sources of income, which is why we launched our Catalyst Evolve programme to help support and develop long-term fundraising plans.

"Over the coming years, I'm looking forward to seeing how our matchfunding can make a real impact locally, delivering greater returns and helping our region's world-class arts and culture continue to thrive."

The East Midlands was also handed £1.4m, under the same scheme.

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: "British art and culture is among the best in the world.

"We want to see it thrive. That means continued public funding, which is a critical underpinning.

"And it means increased philanthropic and private investment has a vital role to play in their continued success.

"Catalyst Evolve uses public investment to attract more private funding, meaning we all get more bang for our taxpayer buck.

"I am delighted that Catalyst Evolve will help these fantastic projects to develop resilient, sustainable fundraising models."