Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation supports Brighton & Hove young musicians to ‘unlock hidden talents’
Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s music education service, led by Brighton & Hove Music & Arts (BHMA) has received a grant of £15,000 from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation to support children who wouldn’t normally have access to music making.
The SoundCity Young Musicians Bursary Scheme provides high quality, free or low-cost music education and performance opportunities for young people aged between 5 and 19, who are in care or whose families are on low incomes.
The grant is one of 16 awarded by the Foundation to national projects, with a total funding of £225,405 given to widen opportunities and increase diversity in the arts.
Peter Chivers, Director, BHMA commented:
“This grant will enable BHMA to continue providing high quality and inclusive music education and performance opportunities for children and young people across the city who want to create music but might not have access because of social or financial constraints. We want to give children the chance to grow their creative talent regardless of their background and ability.”
The Foundation has prioritised projects that engage young people and individuals from hard-to-reach and minority backgrounds. Grants are awarded to schemes that apply resources widely, give training to a significant number of people, increase diversity by removing social, economic and geographical barriers and provide specialist training and workplace experience for emerging talent and newly graduated professionals.
Each year, 37,000 people benefit from Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s creative learning opportunities, open days and music service in Brighton & Hove. 50 music teachers deliver lessons and workshops to 4,000 primary and secondary school children on a weekly basis.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said:
“Engagement in the arts changes lives. The positive impact of the arts on health, social mobility and wellbeing is now irrefutable. I passionately believe that everyone in this country, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, should be able to participate.
"I am thrilled my foundation is able to support projects that widen access, inspire creativity and deliver opportunities. Around the country, across the arts, many people are doing brilliant things to unlock talent and empower the next generation to succeed. We are proud to work with them.”