Ed Sheeran has helped inspire a new £12.5 million Government-backed music education programme that will transform public libraries across England into community music hubs.
The Music in Libraries initiative will give people free access to instruments, recording booths, workshops, tutoring sessions and professional music equipment. Funding will be made available to all 152 library authorities in England through the Dormant Assets Scheme.
Ed Sheeran’s foundation helped shape the idea
The Government says the programme grew from a conversation between Ed Sheeran and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy during a visit to Brighten The Corners in Ipswich, the singer’s hometown.
The youth arts organisation is supported by the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF), and the visit prompted discussions about using libraries as accessible spaces where young people could learn, create and record music.
Sheeran had also seen the success of Scotland’s We Make Music Instrument Libraries initiative through Tinderbox, a Scottish youth music charity supported by ESF. The experience demonstrated how existing community spaces could play a much bigger role in widening access to music education.
Since then, the Ed Sheeran Foundation has worked with the Government to help develop the scheme into a nationwide programme.
£12.5 million investment will support libraries across England
The Government is investing at least £12.5 million through the Dormant Assets Scheme, allowing every library authority in England to apply for funding.
Successful libraries will be able to develop dedicated music spaces featuring:
- Musical instruments
- Recording booths
- Studio-quality production equipment
- Mixing desks
- Workshops and tutoring sessions
- Live performance spaces
The Ed Sheeran Foundation will work alongside government departments, libraries, music educators, youth organisations and music industry partners to help design and deliver the programme.
Ed Sheeran Foundation welcomes the initiative
Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, said the programme represents an important step for music education in England.
“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.”
Libraries set to become community music hubs
According to Government figures, more than half of children aged between 10 and 12 visited a public library during the past year, making libraries well placed to offer creative opportunities beyond the classroom.
Under the new scheme, participating libraries will host music workshops, recording sessions, tuition, live performances and other activities designed to make music education more accessible to young people and local communities.
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