3,000+ artists developed
20+ Years of Talent Development
With over 50 programmes
100+ Young People Developed Each Year
Building careers in the creative & music industry
£500,000+ given to emerging artists
More than 80% given to Black or Diverse backgrounds
Punch focuses on developing the next generation of creative leaders - supporting underrepresented talent with the skills, networks and opportunities needed to thrive in the creative industries in Birmingham and beyond.
Focusing on nurturing underrepresented voices, we create pathways into the creative industries for young people whose talent has too often been overlooked. Through long-term investment, residency’s, paid opportunities, commissions, mentorship and direct industry access - we equip emerging artists, producers and entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and confidence to lead.
From Perry Barr to global stages, Punch champions talent from the West Midlands and ensures the region’s creativity continues to develop careers and shape culture locally and internationally.
Community Routes
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Community Routes is a free creative development programme for 18–25 year olds in the West Midlands.
Through workshops, commissions, mentorship and a residency, participants build practical skills across five creative camps. -
Community Routes offers 50 places each year during Summer Half Term. The programme begins with a summer residency, followed by masterclasses, industry mentoring and opportunities to showcase work and connect with creative employers.
A&R Academy
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In partnership with Parlay Records, Punch is developing the next generation of A&R leaders in the Midlands. The A&R Academy addresses the lack of representation in talent scouting and artist development, creating space for emerging women to shape the future of music from behind the scenes.
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This six-month programme offers direct access to some of the UK’s most respected A&Rs and industry professionals.
Participants gain hands-on experience in artist discovery, repertoire development and industry strategy, while building networks with major labels and independent partners.
Through mentoring, practical projects and portfolio building, the Academy equips participants with the confidence, insight and industry connections to launch careers in A&R and music leadership.
Equalize
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Equalize brings the legacy and influence of Black British and Electronic music into classrooms and creative spaces, amplifying underrepresented voices and connecting young people to the culture shaping today’s music scene.
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This free, week-long half-term programme for 11–16 year olds explores Grime, R&B, Garage and UK Rap.
Participants create music, collaborate with professionals, and discover creative career pathways guided by experienced educators and industry mentors.
Gallery37
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Gallery37 is Birmingham’s flagship creative residency, supporting 16–25 year old artists to develop their craft and careers. With over 400 alumni, the programme nurtures emerging talent from across the city’s diverse communities.
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Delivered every three years, Gallery37 offers a residency, mentoring and commissioning opportunities, investing long-term in Birmingham’s creative future and supporting artists to progress confidently into the creative industries.
Back In
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Back In is a flagship film development programme supporting emerging Black filmmakers across Birmingham through training, mentoring and commissioning opportunities - in partnership with Daniel Alexander.
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Led by Award-Winning Filmmaker Daniel Alexander, the programme has commissioned over 18 filmmakers, championing diverse voices and strengthening the region’s Black film talent pipeline.
The P Word
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The P Word is Punch’s leadership development programme for artists and creative entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, designed to remove barriers to growth and long-term success.
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Delivered in partnership with Aston University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), the programme provides expert guidance, strategic insight and practical tools to strengthen leadership and enterprise skills.
“Being a part of Gallery37 has seen a fundamental change in myself and my creativity. It changed my whole life and has given me the freedom to allow me to experiment. I got experience, both artistically, and commercially and got jobs off of Gallery37 & Headspace by creating strong networks, including over 1K worth of work”
— Hayley Salter, Gallery37 participant
