Underfunding of the arts in general, and the arts in education in particular, have long been a concern for those in the UK who know there is a direct line between such schemes and the export power of the country’s music business.
The Department For Education, however, has announced that it is earmarking £80m for music hubs in schools to encourage children to learn instruments and play in orchestras or choirs. As part of a diversity push, charities that help young people learn about different styles of music will also get an additional £1m in funding.
“It’s encouraging to see the Government’s manifesto commitment acted on swiftly, and new funding for hubs and charities that will help more young people develop their creative and social skills through music,” said industry body the BPI’s boss Geoff Taylor in a statement responding to the news.
Music education is hugely important not just as a downpayment on the future of the country’s music business but also on a social and a cultural level, opening up new possibilities and creative outlets for children. While the UK’s current Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a well-documented history of… questionable promises to the electorate, this particular announcement seems like good news. The key now will be to use it wisely.
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