The Regional Creatives Fund will offer grants of up to £30,000 to UK charities, including those in Salisbury, developing career pathways for underrepresented communities in creative sectors such as publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion and advertising.
The fund supports existing programmes that help people from underserved backgrounds access opportunities in the creative industries.
Paul Firth, director of global music industry at Amazon Music, said: “Amazon has been a passionate supporter of creative industries in the UK for many years and the Regional Creatives Fund will supercharge that support in Salisbury and across the country.
“We understand talent is everywhere, but access isn’t, and we’re working to change that.
“Through the Regional Creatives Fund, we want to help create a future where creativity belongs to everyone.”
Consortiums can apply for up to £100,000, and the funding is available to charities already running programmes who need additional support to scale, sustain or innovate.
Along with financial backing, Amazon will offer pro bono support through mentoring, work experience and digital training delivered by professionals from Amazon Music, Prime Video, Amazon Games, and other divisions.
The fund aligns with the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund and aims to address barriers faced by people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want every young person to have the opportunity to build a successful career within the creative industries, which is one of this country’s greatest assets.
“Whether it’s in film, TV, gaming, fashion or music, we have so much homegrown talent and I am delighted that the Regional Creatives Fund will help shine a spotlight on that right across the country helping people contribute to our national story.
“Alongside our Creative Industries Sector Plan this new fund will help to support growth in these fast-growing sectors by preparing the next generation of creatives to tell our national story on the world stage.”
Applicants must be registered charities in the UK currently delivering a programme that upskills people from underrepresented backgrounds for creative industry roles.
They must demonstrate how the funding will help expand or sustain an existing, impactful programme.
Applications are now open.
