We are delighted to announce £28.95 million of National Lottery funding to Youth Music through Arts Council England, for the next three years. This will provide a vital boost to grassroots organisations supporting children and young people who face barriers because of who they are, where they live, or what they’re going through.

Youth Music’s unique role as a delegated distributor of National Lottery funds has significantly equalised access to music making, learning and earning for young people for more than 24 years. 

In response to Arts Council England’s Let’s Create strategy and its vision for ensuring all children and young people can fulfil their creative potential, Youth Music will now bring its expertise in inclusive practice to more than music. Alongside the popular Youth Music Trailblazer and Catalyser Funds, two new funds will be delivered: one in 2024 and one in 2025. To ensure Youth Music’s approach is responding to young people’s needs, the team will now begin a period of research and development. 

This is an exciting opportunity to respond to young people’s creative ambitions in a changing world.

Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music

Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England