Community News From Around Our Area

Vulnerable Young Musicians Supported Nationwide As Orchestras For All Secures New Arts Council England Funding

Orchestras for All (OFA) is delighted to announce that it has secured vital new funding from Arts Council England (ACE) to assist the charity in continuing its life-changing work.

Also known as the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Transfer Programme, the generous funding supports arts organisations to ‘deliver creative and cultural activity which delivers against the Outcomes in Let’s Create, Arts Council England’s Strategy (2020-30)’.

The news comes as ACE shares its plans to invest £446 million per annum in 990 organisations over the next three years, following 1,700 applications to the programme – enabling even more people to enjoy the comfort, distraction and everyday wonders afforded to local communities through creativity and culture during tough economic times wherever they are.

National Orchestra for All Ambassador and young carer, Isaac, said, “This is fantastic news. I’m so glad that OFA’s got the funding to improve the lives of young people – just like they did for me. Their commitment for making a space where young people can thrive both musically and socially is unique.”

Tonya Nelson, Area Director, London, Arts Council England, commented, “We are excited to welcome Orchestras for All to the 2023-26 Investment Programme through our Transfer Programme. Orchestras for All strives to bring new music-making opportunities to young people in all places and from all backgrounds – with a focus on those experiencing economic deprivation, health conditions, and other disadvantages.

“This ambition, to positively transform more people's lives through creativity, sits at the heart of the Arts Council’s strategy, Let’s Create. With our support, we look forward to seeing Orchestras for All’s work develop as they reach new and diverse young people.”

OFA’s Executive Director, Nick Thorne, added, “This is a milestone moment for Orchestras for All; thank you to Arts Council England for believing in our vision to break down barriers to give all young people the life-changing experience of making music together. Thank you to every single person that has supported us on our journey so far, but special mention from me to the young people we work with who inspire me each day through their passion, energy and barrier-smashing enthusiasm towards our work.

“While we take this moment to celebrate, the journey doesn’t end here – our mission just becomes more important and support from current and new donors becomes ever more vital. Please join us as we continue to champion inclusive music-making nationwide.”