The UK government will invest £12.5 million to transform libraries into 'music lending' spaces featuring free studios and live performance opportunities, co-designed by Ed Sheeran's music charity. The investment is part of the Department for Culture Media and Sport's (DCMS) Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music, which aims to support thousands of grassroots projects in the music industry.
Music in Libraries Initiative
The Music in Libraries initiative, co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) and other partners, aims to boost the role of libraries in music enrichment and library services in England. Libraries can apply for funding to create free studio spaces with recording booths, mixing desks, and state-of-the-art equipment. The idea was inspired by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's 2024 visit with Sheeran to the Ipswich-based live music not-for-profit, Brighten the Corners.
Support from Ed Sheeran Foundation
Dr. Renuka Fernando, chief executive of the ESF, 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.” She added that ESF will work closely with government, libraries, music teachers, youth clubs, and the music industry to design the programme and maximise its impact.
Broader Music Growth Package
Launched on Monday as part of the previously announced Music Growth Package, the plan includes a £15 million cash injection from Arts Council England, bringing total funding to £45 million. This will support over 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals over the next three years. Funding will also support mid-career artists, band managers, labels, and publishers.
Government's Commitment
Ms Nandy said: “Music is our shared language. It brings people together, breaks down barriers and gives voice to every community. At a time when too many people feel disconnected, music has never mattered more.” She noted that “pop is getting posher, and that must change” and that the government is “putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country.”
Additional Initiatives
The plan also includes at least £10 million of dormant assets funding for a creative mentoring scheme for care-experienced children and young people, offering in-depth mentoring from creative practitioners in disciplines like music, art, film, and drama. The mentoring scheme and the Music in Libraries initiative will be delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund. The Music Plan also introduces longer, more secure licences for festivals and events, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing ones. The government has appointed its first Music Champion, former UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher, to strengthen engagement between the government and the music industry.
