Ed Sheeran inspires new £12.5m music education in libraries scheme

Ed Sheeran has inspired a new £12.5m government initiative to bring music education into libraries across England.

The government's Music In Libraries initiative will be co-designed by the British singer's charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation, with input from teachers, youth clubs and industry experts, to help young people gain free access to mentorship and education.

More than 150 library authorities will be able to apply for funding to create free studio spaces with recording booths, mixing desks and other equipment, and to offer live performance opportunities, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said in a statement.

Funding will come through the government's Dormant Assets Scheme, which allocates unclaimed money from financial products to be used for public good.

The libraries programme came about following a visit by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Sheeran to Brighten The Corners, a not-for-profit live music and youth arts organisation in Ipswich, in 2024, the DCMS said.

It is part of a wider music plan backing grassroots projects, with the culture secretary saying that "pop is getting posher, and that must change".

She continued: "Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. After a decade of mindless vandalism that stripped culture and creativity from too many classrooms and communities, we are putting music back at the heart of education, investing in creative careers and backing grassroots music across the country."

Music "belongs to everyone, not just the privileged few", she added.

Dr Renuka Fernando, chief executive of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, said the Music In Libraries programme was an "important step forward" for music education.

"By expanding access to music beyond the classroom, our library network can help ensure that children and young people from communities across England have the opportunity to engage with music, regardless of where they live," she added.

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It comes after Sheeran wrote an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer in March last year, supported by stars including Harry Styles and Stormzy, calling for the action from the government to "save music education".

In November, the government announced the first major change to the music curriculum in more than 10 years, to broaden the appeal of music education and boost creative subjects.

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