A new £1m endowment fund from the Welsh government has been established to help more children access music learning.
The National Endowment for Music is billed as a long term, sustainable approach to increasing musical opportunities for young people across the country.
The joint initiative has been masterminded by Welsh education secretary Kirsty Williams and Ken Skates, the Welsh economy secretary, and is funded by the Arts Council of Wales.
The initial funding will cover the set up costs of the endowment, with a further contribution to be made to the seed fund once it is in place.
The Welsh Assembly envisage the endowment will eventually go on generate at least £1m per year, which will be used to fund additional music activities for young people across the country.
Phil George, chair of Arts Council of Wales, said: ‘Challenging times call for determined action. It’s more important than ever that we provide opportunities for young people to enrich their lives through artistic expression.
‘This new fund is an invitation to private and corporate donors to join the Welsh government in nurturing young musical talents and helping them delight and amaze us all.’
Williams added: ‘The National Endowment for Music will help ensure that all our young people, from whatever background, can develop their talents and skills through music…
‘Having experiences outside the classroom is a sure way to help children build confidence and discover what inspires them. In time, this Endowment will provide extra chances for young people to access important education experiences.’
The National Endowment for Music is billed as a long term, sustainable approach to increasing musical opportunities for young people across the country.
The joint initiative has been masterminded by Welsh education secretary Kirsty Williams and Ken Skates, the Welsh economy secretary, and is funded by the Arts Council of Wales.
The initial funding will cover the set up costs of the endowment, with a further contribution to be made to the seed fund once it is in place.
The Welsh Assembly envisage the endowment will eventually go on generate at least £1m per year, which will be used to fund additional music activities for young people across the country.
Phil George, chair of Arts Council of Wales, said: ‘Challenging times call for determined action. It’s more important than ever that we provide opportunities for young people to enrich their lives through artistic expression.
‘This new fund is an invitation to private and corporate donors to join the Welsh government in nurturing young musical talents and helping them delight and amaze us all.’
Williams added: ‘The National Endowment for Music will help ensure that all our young people, from whatever background, can develop their talents and skills through music…
‘Having experiences outside the classroom is a sure way to help children build confidence and discover what inspires them. In time, this Endowment will provide extra chances for young people to access important education experiences.’
