Arts and culture on agenda in mayoral hustings

The West Midlands ' arts and cultural sector will be the focus of the latest debate between the region 's mayoral election candidates.

Cultural Central and the Royal Shakespeare Company are jointly hosting the latest mayoral hustings on Monday 19 April (5pm to 6.30pm).

Candidates including current Conservative mayor Andy Street (pictured) and his Labour challenger Liam Byrne will answer questions on a number of themes linked to arts and culture.

The event is being hosted by Iqbal Khan, who grew up in Birmingham and directed the RSC's 2015 production of Othello.

Geraldine Collinge from the Royal Shakespeare Company said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Culture Central on these arts and culture hustings for the West Midlands mayoral elections.

“I look forward to hearing from the candidates about how they see culture 's role in the rebuilding of communities and the economy after COVID and am delighted that renowned director Iqbal Khan is hosting for us. ”

Erica Love, director at Culture Central, said: “As the second most populous city region of the UK the role of the West Midlands Mayor is pivotal in shaping the West Midlands ' position in the UK over the next three years.

“How does each of the candidates see the arts as part of their campaign and their potential role in the region? ”

To find out more about the event and to register your attendance click here.