Earlier in the month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan introduced a £1.3 million fund that will support the creative industries in Croydon, Hounslow, and Lambeth. He has stated that one of the goals of the fund is to provide more opportunities for women and people of color in the city while creating more jobs. It also focuses on training as well, intended to help those who may be affected by the pandemic gain more valuable skills.

A press release dedicated to the new fund states that Khan hopes to support the training or education of over 225 residents between April 2021 and June 2023. In the statement, Khan pledged to support the next generation of creatives and stated that helping the industry is a vital part of his city’s post-COVID-19 recovery.

“Culture and the creative industries are at the heart of our city, and they will play a huge role in our economic and social recovery,” said Khan. “That’s why we must do all we can to support jobs and small businesses at this challenging time, and that includes ensuring there are opportunities available to all. Our Creative Enterprise Zones are designed to inspire innovation and nurture talent across the capital, and this funding will help to provide further education, training and employment to develop the next generation of creative leaders.”

It’s been noted that before the pandemic, Croydon was on its way to becoming a musical hotspot in the city. Back in September, Khan introduced a support package focused solely on London’s nightlife industry. While the latest funding isn’t exclusively geared towards the music industry like the aforementioned package, a statement from the Mayor confirms that music is included under the general “creative” umbrella.

Read the entire announcement from the office of Mayor Khan on the official City of London website.