Pop star Ed Sheeran has inspired a £12.5 million government investment to transform libraries into ‘music lending’ spaces with free studios and live performance opportunities. 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 to thrive in the music industry.
Music in Libraries initiative co-designed by Ed Sheeran Foundation
The Music in Libraries initiative will be co-designed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) and other partners, aiming to boost the role of libraries in music enrichment and library services in England. Libraries will be able to apply for the 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 the Shape Of You singer to the Ipswich-based live music not-for-profit, Brighten the Corners.
Quote from Ed Sheeran Foundation CEO
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. ESF will work closely with government, libraries, music teachers, youth clubs and the music industry to help design the programme and maximise its impact. Through this collaboration, we hope more young people will experience the many benefits of music education, from building confidence and strengthening communities to fostering creativity, self-expression and positive mental wellbeing.”
Total funding of £45 million to support artists and projects
Launched on Monday as part of the previously announced Music Growth Package, the plan also includes a £15 million cash injection from Arts Council England, bringing the funding to a total of £45 million to support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals over the next three years. The funding will also be used to support mid-career artists, band managers, labels and publishers.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on music's importance
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. As the song says, ‘Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts’. But pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country. We believe music belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few. That’s how we widen opportunity, strengthen our communities and ensure the UK’s incredible fans and extraordinary musical talent continues to inspire the world for generations to come.”
Additional funding for creative mentoring and festival licences
The plan will also see at least £10 million of dormant assets funding for a creative mentoring scheme which will give thousands of care-experienced children and young people the opportunity to receive in-depth mentoring from creative practitioners. It will also offer young people opportunities to explore creative disciplines such as music, art, film and drama. The mentoring scheme and the Music in Libraries initiative will be delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The newly launched Music Plan also includes longer, more secure licences for festivals and other events, with minimum three-year contracts for new events and five-year contracts for existing events. It has also appointed the Government’s first Music Champion, former chief executive of UK Music, Michael Dugher, who will be responsible for strengthening engagement between the Government and the music industry, providing a dedicated advocate for the sector.
