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Gloucestershire County Council appointed to lead Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Music Hub

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Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Music Hub from September 2024, as part of an ambitious national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.

GCC will lead as part of a strong consortium with Swindon Music Service and The Music Works, which will be initially  known as the GSW Music Hub. 

As the new Hub Lead Organisation for the Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire region, GCC will receive £2,354,219.00 from the Department for Education. GCC will receive £1,772,099 to coordinate music education across the collective regional area, plus £582,120.00 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Gloucester, Swindon and Wiltshire, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Music Hub Consortium will work with delivery partners and associates across the region to deliver high quality music education accessible to all children and young people through diverse partnerships between educational, creative and community organisations, in their local communities and throughout the country.

GCC’s appointment is part of a major investment in a new generation of the nationwide network of Music Hubs. This investment will help to deliver the Government’s National Plan for Music Education, and give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical interests as far as they wish, including helping them to begin careers in the music industry.

Cllr Philip Robinson, Cabinet member responsible for Education at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been appointed to lead the Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire music hub.

“This funding from the Government will allow us to provide high-quality music education across our county, as well as in Swindon and Wiltshire.

“It will give opportunities for children and young people to experience music and have the chance to learn to play an instrument.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: "Music education is enormously powerful – it can enrich young people's lives, help them connect with the people around them, and start them on the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling careers.  We are excited to announce this investment in a new generation of Music Hubs, which will support the brilliant work of our dedicated music teachers across the country, and help bring high-quality music education to even more children and young people in every part of England."

Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England, adds: “We’re thrilled to award over £9.4 million from the Department for Education to seven new Music Hubs across the South West. Each Hub Lead Organisation is set to enable high-quality musical activities to thousands of children and young people in the region, so that everyone everywhere can pick up an instrument and express themselves.  A further £3 million will boost access to industry-spec technology and equipment, helping to raise ambitions and remove barriers to the artform. We can’t wait to see a new generation of talent sing, compose and play their way to a more inclusive future. Thanks to public funding and the work of talented teachers and practitioners, that vision is possible.”

For more information please contact GSWMusicHub@gloucestershire.gov.uk, or visit https://www.makemusicgloucestershire.org.uk/gsw-music-hub-new-sept-2024/.