Rural Media, a charity and production company based in Hereford, will head up a new talent development scheme for the BBC and Arts Council England in the Midlands.

New Creatives gives emerging artists from across the Midlands the opportunity to create films, audio works, podcasts and interactive media that will be available on regional and national BBC platforms.

Funded by Arts Council England and BBC Arts, New Creatives will see the commissioned artists, aged 16 to 30, receive support and training to make original creative content.

Grant Black, Creative Director for Rural Media, said: “This is a great boost for the local creative industry. The BBC and Arts Council England’s investment in us shows how much faith they have in regional talent and production.

“Most importantly New Creatives is an excellent opportunity for talented creatives across the Midlands to create content for the BBC and have their work seen by audiences far and wide. ”

Ideas for the New Creatives project can come from many artistic disciplines, including - but not limited to - dancers, actors, performers, musicians, writers, film makers, comedians, visual artists, animators, poets, storytellers and games designers.

Mr. Black added: “Even if you might not consider yourself an artist, as long as you are passionate about your creative idea and have something to say, then Rural Media wants to hear from you.”

To find out more visit www.ruralmedia.co.uk/NewCreatives or contact: Julie Colman, T. 01432 344039, E. juliec@ruralmedia.co.uk. Or Emma Fox, Communications Manager, BBC Arts

07753 303013 / emma.fox@bbc.co.uk