A new partnership to support arts and digital industries in the West Midlands has been announced.

The tie-up between screen agency Screen West Midlands and Arts Council will be the first of its kind in the UK.

It is hope it will support and develop partnerships between arts and cultural organisations and digital media producers in the region. Investment will be made available for projects involving digital content that is reaching new audiences.

Sally Luton, executive director of ACEWM said: “The way in which people participate in the arts is changing all the time - they now expect to interact with and influence the activities they’re involved in rather than just passively consuming. We need to equip the region’s arts and cultural organisations to respond to these changing needs and this exciting new partnership will help to support opportunities for them to build relationships with creative producers and take advantage of digital platforms for extending the reach of their work”.

Both organisations are supporting the development of Birmingham’s new Digital Film and Media Event, as a showcase of innovation and creativity.

Suzie Norton, chief executive of Screen WM said: “The rapid development of digital media means that audiences across all sectors are consuming information and content in completely new ways.

“This pioneering partnership between Screen WM and Arts Council England, West Midlands (ACEWM), is designed to enable arts and cultural organisations to benefit from these changes by developing innovative new ideas alongside our region’s leading digital innovators.”

“The West Midlands is the first region in the UK to benefit from such a partnership agreement, and this is testimony to both Screen WM and ACEWM’s clear support to further develop the thriving arts and digital industries in our region.”