It was Ed himself who has been credited with the Music in Libraries programme, following a conversation with Secretary of State for Culture, Music and Sport Lisa Nandy last year. Ed recognised the potential of using existing community infrastructure, such as libraries, to expand access to music education.
Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO, Ed Sheeran Foundation, said: “The Music in Libraries programme is an important step forward for music education. By expanding access to music beyond the classroom, our library network can help ensure that children and young people from communities across England have the opportunity to engage with music, regardless of where they live.
“ESF will work closely with government, libraries, music teachers, youth clubs and the music industry to help design the programme and maximise its impact. Through this collaboration, we hope more young people will experience the many benefits of music education, from building confidence and strengthening communities to fostering creativity, self-expression and positive mental wellbeing.”
The government has confirmed that it will invest at least £12.5m towards the programme through the Dormant Assets Scheme, enabling all 152 library authorities across England to apply for funding.
Today’s announcement is a significant one, in that it marks an expansion of the foundation’s mission to include out-of-school programmes with greater access to community music opportunities in the process.
Images: Mark Surridge
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.officialcharts.com ’
