On May 4 2017 West Midlanders will go to the polls to elect their first ‘metro mayor’ for their new combined authority. The mayor will have responsibility for coordinating action across the city-region in areas such as the economy, skills, transport and housing.

In Birmingham alone the creative industries contribute more GVA (Gross Value Added) to the local economy than the construction and automotive industries combined and yet they only receive the scantest mention in the authority’s Strategic Economic Plan.

On Friday 28 April 2017 WGGB, BECTU, Equity and the Musicians’ Union are giving you the opportunity to question the mayoral candidates and hear their vision for the cultural and creative sectors.

The Mayoral Hustings: Culture and Creative Industries takes place at the Studio Theatre, Birmingham Rep and kicks off at 7.45pm. It will cover all areas – from the subsidised arts to commercial design, from encouraging outside investment to nurturing talent grown right here at home.

Tickets are free but you will need to book ahead to guarantee a seat. Call: 0121 236 4455 or book online.

The following mayoral candidates have confirmed their attendance:

James Burn (Green)

Pete Durnell (UKIP)

Beverley Nielsen (Liberal Democrat)

Siôn Simon (Labour)

Andy Street (Conservative)

Graham Stevenson (Communist)

Read ‘Culture unions publish manifesto for Midlands’ in BECTU News.