ArtistDirect News
UK Launches 12.5m Music-in-Libraries Scheme Inspired by Ed Sheeran
In a bold move that turns the hum of public libraries into a chorus of creativity, the UK government has pledged £12.5 million to transform libraries across England into music‑making hubs. Announced on Monday, 13 July 2026, the initiative—part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) “Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music” programme—will see public spaces equipped with recording booths, mixing desks and state‑of‑the‑art gear, giving local musicians and community groups free access to professional studios.
The scheme was born from a meeting between Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) at the Ipswich‑based charity Brighten the Corners in 2024. Dr Renuka Fernando, ESF chief executive, said the programme would “expand access to music beyond the classroom” and help ensure that children and young people from communities across England can engage with music regardless of where they live. The partnership marks the first time a celebrity‑led charity has been formally integrated into a national government music strategy.
Libraries that apply will receive funding to build the studios and to offer live‑performance opportunities. The ESF and its partners will co‑design the spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of both emerging artists and established community ensembles. The National Lottery Community Fund will deliver the mentoring and library components, while the DCMS and Arts Council England will monitor the Music Growth Package’s total £45 million investment.
The Music Growth Package also includes a £15 million cash injection from Arts Council England, bringing the three‑year total to £45 million. The funds will support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals, with allocations earmarked for mid‑career artists, band managers, labels and publishers. A separate £10 million line will fund a creative mentoring scheme, offering in‑depth guidance from seasoned practitioners to thousands of care‑experienced children and young people.
Beyond studios, the broader Music Plan introduces longer, more secure licences for festivals and other events. New festivals will receive minimum three‑year contracts, while existing ones will be offered five‑year terms, providing stability for event organisers and artists alike.
To strengthen the link between the government and the music industry, the DCMS has appointed former UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher as the country’s first Music Champion. Dugher will act as a dedicated advocate for the sector, ensuring that policy and funding remain aligned with the needs of musicians and their audiences.
The Ed Sheeran Foundation, launched in January 2025, has already supported 18 grassroots music education organisations and state‑school music departments, improving access to instruments and lessons for 12,000 children. Its partnership with the DCMS underscores a broader trend of governments investing in creative infrastructure to support the UK’s cultural economy.
By turning libraries into hubs for learning, collaboration and creative expression, the Music in Libraries scheme aims to lower the cost barrier to professional music production and performance. The initiative is expected to create a nationwide network of music‑enabled libraries, offering a viable alternative to private studios and nurturing local talent.
In sum, the UK government’s £45 million commitment—comprising the £12.5 million Music in Libraries scheme, Arts Council cash injection, mentoring funds and festival licence reforms—represents a significant investment in expanding music education and industry infrastructure at the grassroots level. The partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund and the appointment of a Music Champion signal a sustained effort to embed music into the fabric of communities across England.
The scheme was born from a meeting between Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) at the Ipswich‑based charity Brighten the Corners in 2024. Dr Renuka Fernando, ESF chief executive, said the programme would “expand access to music beyond the classroom” and help ensure that children and young people from communities across England can engage with music regardless of where they live. The partnership marks the first time a celebrity‑led charity has been formally integrated into a national government music strategy.
Libraries that apply will receive funding to build the studios and to offer live‑performance opportunities. The ESF and its partners will co‑design the spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of both emerging artists and established community ensembles. The National Lottery Community Fund will deliver the mentoring and library components, while the DCMS and Arts Council England will monitor the Music Growth Package’s total £45 million investment.
The Music Growth Package also includes a £15 million cash injection from Arts Council England, bringing the three‑year total to £45 million. The funds will support more than 2,000 projects and at least 40,000 artists and music professionals, with allocations earmarked for mid‑career artists, band managers, labels and publishers. A separate £10 million line will fund a creative mentoring scheme, offering in‑depth guidance from seasoned practitioners to thousands of care‑experienced children and young people.
Beyond studios, the broader Music Plan introduces longer, more secure licences for festivals and other events. New festivals will receive minimum three‑year contracts, while existing ones will be offered five‑year terms, providing stability for event organisers and artists alike.
To strengthen the link between the government and the music industry, the DCMS has appointed former UK Music chief executive Michael Dugher as the country’s first Music Champion. Dugher will act as a dedicated advocate for the sector, ensuring that policy and funding remain aligned with the needs of musicians and their audiences.
The Ed Sheeran Foundation, launched in January 2025, has already supported 18 grassroots music education organisations and state‑school music departments, improving access to instruments and lessons for 12,000 children. Its partnership with the DCMS underscores a broader trend of governments investing in creative infrastructure to support the UK’s cultural economy.
By turning libraries into hubs for learning, collaboration and creative expression, the Music in Libraries scheme aims to lower the cost barrier to professional music production and performance. The initiative is expected to create a nationwide network of music‑enabled libraries, offering a viable alternative to private studios and nurturing local talent.
In sum, the UK government’s £45 million commitment—comprising the £12.5 million Music in Libraries scheme, Arts Council cash injection, mentoring funds and festival licence reforms—represents a significant investment in expanding music education and industry infrastructure at the grassroots level. The partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund and the appointment of a Music Champion signal a sustained effort to embed music into the fabric of communities across England.