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Jewellery Quarter designated as a Cultural Action Area as local consortium secures £76,000 to spark a cultural revival

A consortium of passionate local businesses and organisations, spearheaded by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), has been awarded an impressive £76,000 grant through Birmingham City Council’s Cultural Action Area (CAA) programme. Backed by Enterprise Zone funding, this transformational award will kickstart a vibrant mix of cultural and heritage initiatives aimed at revitalising local high streets, fostering community connections, and boosting economic recovery.

The Jewellery Quarter Common Room: a showcase for 2025 and beyond

Under the banner of “The Jewellery Quarter Common Room”, the CAA initiative is now live and spotlights the area’s dynamic community of craftspeople, artists, and artisans and celebrates its rich heritage and innovative spirit. By connecting residents and visitors with the amazing skilled work taking place in the Jewellery Quarter, the Common Room intends to breathe new life into the Quarter’s storied past and elevate its reputation as a hub of creativity and craftsmanship.

Bringing the Jewellery Quarter together to try new things

The Common Room will host an array of engaging programmes and opportunities in venues across the Jewellery Quarter. The programme is specifically geared around encouraging local business, organisations, residents and visitors to try new things with the aim of making them a permanent fixture, including:

• JQ Lates: Experience the magic of the Quarter after dark! Starting in February, these monthly events will invite residents and visitors to explore studios, workshops, museums, and community hubs in a lively evening atmosphere and take advantage of our wonderful hospitality offer
• Made in the JQ: A badge of honour for the area’s makers, this new mark of provenance will empower businesses to proudly showcase their Jewellery Quarter roots, strengthening its global reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and creativity.
• Microgrants for Creativity: With funding available to support new events, amplify existing activities, and enhance inclusion, these grants will ensure the Quarter buzzes with cultural and community-driven energy all year round.
• Careers Fair: Opening doors to the future, this event will connect students, graduates, and those eager to reskill with career opportunities in the jewellery trade and creative industries.

A united community, a shared purpose

“The Jewellery Quarter Common Room” is the result of a powerful collaboration between local champions, including Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, Argent College & The Hive, Stryx, Quartermasters, Masterpeace Academy/Silverfish, Weston Beamor, Manna Jewellers, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA), and the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). Together, they are crafting a bold and inclusive vision for the Quarter’s future.

Matthew Bott, Chair of JQDT, shared:

“This is an exciting moment where the Jewellery Quarter can showcase its amazing craftsmanship and artistry. This initiative will connect residents and visitors with opportunities to enjoy, take part in, buy, and even find a career in this special place. Whether traditional or contemporary, from jewellery to pottery, and paintings to furnishings, the Jewellery Quarter has it all and the JQDT is delighted to be full square behind the Common Room”.

Sian Hindle, College Academic Lead for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the College of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles, Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, added:

“This project is a superb example of how heritage and innovation can complement each other and bring new opportunities. BCU is proud to be one of the partners in this exciting project foregrounding the Quarter’s fabulous creative culture, and we look forward to being a catalyst for change and renewal.”

What’s next?

Stay tuned for details about the upcoming microgrants, with applications opening in early 2025. The Jewellery Quarter is poised to become not just a destination, but a movement of creativity and connection—and everyone’s invited to be part of the journey.

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