The Jewellery Quarter Common Room programme has now come to the end of its initial delivery period, following a year of activity across the Jewellery Quarter throughout 2025.
Initiated by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), the programme was funded through Enterprise Zone funding, administered by Birmingham City Council as part of its Cultural Action Area (CAA) programme. The funding was designed to support experimentation, testing new approaches to deliver both social and economic improvement in the area.
The Jewellery Quarter Common Room programme was led by a consortium of local partners, businesses and organisations.
What was delivered
Across the year, the programme supported a range of initiatives designed to activate spaces, support local businesses and create new opportunities for engagement.
This included:
- JQ Lates – a series of 8 monthly evening events inviting people to explore studios, galleries, shops and venues across the Quarter after hours
- Microgrants Programme – £23,421 awarded across three rounds, supporting 33 projects delivered by 29 organisations and individuals
- Careers & Skills activity – including a pilot event engaging 24 Year 9 students with industry professionals
- Made in the Jewellery Quarter – early development of a new mark of provenance to celebrate work created within the Quarter, with launch planned for late 2026
Activity took place across a wide range of venues, including Birmingham City University School of Jewellery, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and independent businesses, studios and creative spaces throughout the area.
Looking ahead
While the first phase of the programme has now concluded, activity and legacy from the Jewellery Quarter Common Room will continue into a second year.
This includes the continuation and development of key strands such as JQ Lates, ongoing Creative Careers activity delivered in partnership with organisations including the Assay Office, and the continued rollout of Made in the Jewellery Quarter.
The programme has also contributed to wider strategic work, including supporting Birmingham’s successful World Craft City bid.
In addition, a number of Microgrant recipients have already continued their activity beyond the initial funding period. This includes initiatives such as Brutally Honest Bakery extending its opening hours, the launch of Precious Gems Film Club, and investment in equipment that continues to support creative production across the Quarter.
Further work will now take place to gather feedback from partners, participants and stakeholders, helping to understand what has taken root and where future activity should be focused.
A full report will be published following this next phase, setting out the outcomes of the programme and outlining potential next steps.
