20+ Years of Talent Development
With over 50 programmes
3000+ young people developed as artists and creatives
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.
collaborative endeavour co-designed with young people. Leveraging the inherent interest and aptitude of young individuals for music, the project serves as a catalyst for leadership, youth development, and community impact. Over a span of three years we will support 150 young people aged 18-24 to become ‘leaders’ who can positively influence their own futures and that of their peers. -
Participants take part in a week-long creative residency, specialist workshops, one-to-one mentoring, networking opportunities and live industry experiences across five creative pathways. Along the way, they'll build practical skills, develop their creative practice, expand their professional networks and work towards paid commissions and live opportunities.
Co-designed with young people, Community Routes empowers the next generation of creative leaders by providing the confidence, experience and industry connections needed to shape their own futures and make a lasting impact within their communities. Over three years, the programme will support 150 young creatives to develop their practice, unlock new opportunities and build sustainable careers in the creative industries.
A&R Academy
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In partnership with Parlay Records, Punch is developing the next generation of A&R leaders around the UK. The A&R Academy addresses the lack of representation in talent scouting and artist development, creating space for emerging talent to shape the future of music from behind the scenes.
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Throughout the programme, participants take part in industry-led workshops, mentoring sessions, live briefs and practical projects focused on artist discovery, repertoire development, talent scouting and release strategy. They'll build a professional portfolio, expand their network and gain first-hand insight into how artists are discovered, developed and supported throughout their careers.
Across two successful cohorts, we've supported emerging creatives from across the UK to develop the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to pursue careers in A&R, talent development 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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Throughout the week, participants take part in hands-on creative workshops, collaborate with industry professionals, develop new skills and explore the many career opportunities available across the music industry. From songwriting and performance to production and creative careers behind the scenes, the programme encourages young people to discover their talents, build confidence and express themselves through music.
To date, Equalize has supported more than 50 young people, helping them develop their creativity while opening doors to future opportunities within the creative industries.
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, the programme combines creative residencies, mentoring, professional development and commissioned opportunities, giving participants the time, space and support to experiment, collaborate and create ambitious new work. Artists build their portfolios, develop industry connections and gain real-world experience that prepares them for sustainable careers in the creative industries.
Since launching in Birmingham, Gallery37 has supported more than 400 young artists, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers across music, visual arts, film, photography, dance and interdisciplinary practice.
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, participants receive specialist training, one-to-one mentoring and commissioned opportunities while developing original films and building practical production experience. The programme provides a platform for underrepresented voices to tell powerful stories, develop professional networks and gain the confidence to progress within the film industry.
To date, Back In has commissioned more than 20 filmmakers, helping strengthen the region's Black film talent pipeline and support the next generation of creative storytellers.
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 combines expert mentoring, practical workshops and strategic business support to help participants strengthen their leadership, enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. From developing creative ideas to building long-term business confidence, participants gain the knowledge, networks and tools needed to take their careers to the next level.
Designed to remove barriers to growth, The P Word empowers creative leaders to turn ambition into action while building stronger, more resilient creative enterprises.
Youth Board
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The Punch Youth Board is a paid leadership programme for young creatives aged 18–25, giving the next generation a genuine voice in shaping the future of Punch.
Made up of artists, creatives and young leaders from across Birmingham, the Youth Board works alongside our staff and Board of Directors to influence programmes, events, communications and organisational strategy. By placing young people at the heart of decision-making, we're ensuring our work remains relevant, inclusive and reflective of the communities we serve.
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Youth Board members take part in regular meetings, leadership development sessions and collaborative projects, working directly with the Punch team to share ideas, shape new initiatives and influence key organisational decisions.
Alongside developing skills in leadership, governance and strategic thinking, members gain valuable experience, expand their professional networks and contribute to projects that make a lasting impact on Birmingham's creative community. The programme has so far equipped 20 young people from the West Midlands with the confidence, knowledge and experience to become the creative leaders of tomorrow.
ACM Scholarship
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The Punch x ACM Scholarship is a partnership designed to remove barriers to higher education by supporting aspiring creatives to access professional music and creative industry training.
Working with ACM (The Academy of Contemporary Music), the scholarship provides talented young people with the opportunity to develop their skills, gain industry-recognised qualifications and take the next step towards sustainable careers in the creative industries.
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Scholarship recipients receive financial support alongside access to ACM's industry-focused education, learning directly from experienced practitioners while developing practical skills, professional networks and career confidence.
Through a combination of academic study, creative practice and industry engagement, each scholar has been supported to grow as artists and creative professionals, preparing them for long-term careers across music and the wider creative industries.
“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
