£375,270 Arts Council fund lets the music play on!

£375,270 Arts Council fund lets the music play on!

Berkshire Maestros has today been awarded £375,270 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), administered by Arts Council England.

 

The funding will enable us to continue to run much needed music education activities in schools and for families across Berkshire.

 

It will also allow us to launch new initiatives, including two live bands who will perform in schools across the county. This is particularly exciting given the lack of live music opportunities over the last year, and will give Berkshire’s school children unique access to either a live instrumental band (for primary schools) or an energetic rock band (for secondary schools).

Reacting to the announcement Dawn Wren, CEO, said:

 

“We are delighted to receive this wonderful funding that will benefit so many children in Berkshire. The last year has been challenging for everyone, and as the largest music education provider in the county we have worked hard with schools and families to ensure music can continue as much as possible. We have heard many times that our music lessons have been vital for young people’s wellbeing and mental health during lockdown.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted heavily on our budgets, and we welcome the funding as recognition of the important role music plays in education and wellbeing for all young people.  This grant will enable us to rebuild the group activities and events that we have missed so much, and to open up new musical opportunities for children who haven’t yet benefitted from learning an instrument or making music with others.”

Berkshire Maestros is one of almost 3,800 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support – with £300 million of investment announced today. This is the second time the organisation has been successful in securing this vital funding, and will help to recover some of the financial losses incurred throughout the Covid pandemic, as well as looking ahead to future activities.

 

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

 

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.