1 in 3 children say they have not visited a museum in the past year. This rises to nearly fifty percent of less privileged pupils, according to a recent study carried out by UK charity, the Art Fund.

Determined to change this, Dan Norris' West of England Combined Authority and the Arts Council UK have brought together 150 regional creative and cultural organisations.

New cash and support will enable schools to organise trips to the West of England's fantastic theatres, galleries and museums. Plus, musicians, painters and poets will head to the classroom for a series of "artists residencies" with local school pupils.

Culture West will also set up of two new arts and music festivals and create new opportunities for young people to enter the creative sector.

Mayor Norris, who trained with the NSPCC as a child protection officer, said: "We only get one childhood and over the last thirteen years, too many children have been denied the rich experiences that set them up for life. Creativity runs through our region's veins. We've produced some truly remarkable stars – Cary Grant, Banksy, Maisie Williams and Shaun the Sheep. We have amazing museums and some of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. A child's chance to enjoy museums, galleries and historical places shouldn't be determined by their class. Seeing the wonders of the West is eye-opening and inspiring - and I don't want a single kid to miss out."

Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England said: "Each of us, no matter our personal characteristics, should be able to live, learn and work creatively. That is why we are thrilled to commit £1 million in public funding to a Place Partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, ensuring access and inclusion are placed at the heart of cultural experiences in Bristol and beyond."

To achieve change across the sector, the Mayoral Combined Authority will also hold an open dialogue with the public to co-design a new set of priorities for creative investments and partnerships, leading to the creation of Citizens Assembly for Culture next year.

It is estimated that Culture West's activities will provide work for over 400 local creative freelancers.

Freelancer Ryan Francis added: "Culture West will greatly enhance the freelance creative community in the region for multiple reasons such as, regular paid work, training and development, collaboration and overall, supporting a massive pool of freelancers who come from underrepresented backgrounds who often get overlooked. It's fantastic that the West of England Combined Authority is stepping up to the challenge and helping provide mass opportunity to those who otherwise wouldn't get it."