Surrey Arts appointed to lead Surrey Music Hub

Surrey Arts, part of Surrey County Council has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Surrey Music Hub from September 2024, as part of an ambitious national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.

Surrey Arts will receive £1.428 million in funding from the Department for Education. This includes £1.428 million to coordinate music education in the local area, plus £469,000 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Surrey including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Surrey Arts will deliver high quality music education accessible to all children and young people in Surrey through diverse partnerships between educational, creative and community organisations, in the local community and throughout the country.

Surrey Art's appointment is part of a major investment in a new generation of the nationwide network of Music Hubs. This investment will help to deliver the Government's National Plan for Music Education, and give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical interests as far as they wish, including helping them to begin careers in the music industry.

Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy leader for Surrey County Council said: "We are delighted that Surrey Arts, part of Surrey County Council will be able to continue its work in leading the music hub in Surrey. The music hub is a network of music organisations and schools working together to bring musical opportunities to young people . This funding will ensure that we are able to continue championing music and support thousands of young people across Surrey to experience the joy and pleasure of participating in musical activities."

Charlotte Miller, Chair Surrey Music Hub said: "We are all delighted to announce Surrey Arts' music hub appointment by Arts Council England. With a firm belief in the transformative power of music education, we are committed to providing high-quality musical opportunities for all children and young people in Surrey, irrespective of their background or ability. This appointment not only reflects our dedication to fostering a vibrant musical community but also aligns with our vision of creating inclusive pathways to enriching careers in the music industry. We look forward to working collaboratively with educational, creative, and community organisations to ensure that every child in Surrey has the chance to explore and develop their musical talents to their fullest potential"

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: "Music education is enormously powerful – it can enrich young people's lives, help them connect with the people around them, and start them on the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling careers. We are excited to announce this investment in a new generation of Music Hubs, which will support the brilliant work of our dedicated music teachers across the country, and help bring high-quality music education to even more children and young people in every part of England."

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: "We are so pleased to bring forward a new generation of Music Hubs in the South East, ensuring all children and young people can learn and make music. They will do so thanks to the investment committed by the Department for Education, including an additional fund to invest in musical instruments, equipment and technology so that children and young people's creativity can flourish. We are thrilled to help nurture the musical interests of all children and young people in the South East, no matter who they are, or where they live."

For more information please email Surrey Music Hub: surreymusichub@surreycc.gov.uk