 Hundreds of visitors attend events in the city centre every year |
Birmingham has secured more than �2m lottery money to host a series of new events - boosting its reputation as a leading city of culture. The grant, from the lottery Millennium Commission and Arts Council England, will be used to fund cultural projects in the city over the next two years.
Events will include a three-day south Asian film festival and community focused arts projects.
Leading city and regional organisations have given the proposals their support.
Councillor Nigel Dawkins, cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, welcomed the announcement.
"This is fantastic news for the city and the hundreds of visitors from across the region that we attract to our events.
"The planned programme will capitalise on the enthusiasm and ideas generated during the Capital of Culture bid and feature an exciting new season of summer events and festivals suitable for people of all ages."
As well as the Asian film festival, planned events include a worldwide Stravinsky collaboration led by the CBSO and the Birmingham Royal Ballet and an expansion of established events such as Discovery Day and Artsfest.
'Benefit communities'
The renowned Gallery 37 arts under canvas project is also likely to benefit from the cash injection.
Sally Luton, regional executive director of Arts Council England, said: "The search for the Capital of Culture 2008 created a fantastic momentum in Birmingham.
"I am delighted that through the Urban Cultural Programme, the city and region can continue to build on that legacy which will benefit communities across the region for generations to come.
"The West Midlands has an enormous range of excellent arts institutions and this funding will provide the opportunity for more people around the region and the country to appreciate what is on offer."
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The search for the Capital of Culture 2008 created a fantastic momentum in Birmingham 
