Charity to expand music opportunities in Newcastle

A new charity is being established to widen access to music and creative opportunities for thousands of children and young people across Newcastle.

Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet has approved plans to create Newcastle Music, a charitable arm of Newcastle Music Service, which currently engages around 7000 young people each year.

The new organisation will be able to access additional funding, receive donations and run fundraising campaigns and events, complementing existing support from Arts Council England, the Department for Education and agreements with schools.

Additional investment will be used to expand activities across the city, with a particular focus on under-represented communities in the East End and Inner West.

It will also support more targeted and subsidised opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, care-experienced young people and families facing financial hardship.

Councillor Christine Morrissey, cabinet member for children, education and families, said: “Establishing a charitable arm of Newcastle Music Service will open up new funding opportunities, allowing us to extend and enhance projects that support some of our city’s most disadvantaged children and young people.

“This could include increasing instrumental and vocal learning opportunities, expand performance and creative projects, and developing new programmes that improve access to music and culture in schools and communities across Newcastle. 

“It would also enable us to provide additional support for talented young musicians who might otherwise be unable to access these opportunities because of financial barriers.”

Newcastle Music Service works with schools, cultural organisations and community groups to provide instrumental and vocal learning, performances, workshops, specialist ensembles and creative industry experiences.

Recent projects have included the MOBO and Mercury Fringe programmes, while more than 200 teachers and education professionals access its training, resources and support each year.

The service is again working with Generator on this year’s Mercury Fringe, which returns to Newcastle in October.

Christine added: “We are committed to giving every child the chance to develop new skills, discover their talents and experience the benefits that music can bring. 

“This proposal will help us reduce barriers to participation and ensure more young people can access high-quality musical opportunities, regardless of their background.”

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