Libraries Become Music Studios with £12.5M Government Boost

The UK government has announced a significant investment of £12.5 million to reimagine libraries as vibrant music hubs. This initiative, part of the 'Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music' strategy, will enable libraries across England to establish free recording studios equipped with professional-grade equipment. The program is being co-designed in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) and other key music industry stakeholders.

The Music in Libraries program aims to democratize music education by offering accessible creative spaces beyond traditional classrooms. Dr. Renuka Fernando, CEO of ESF, highlighted the potential for these hubs to build confidence, strengthen communities, and foster self-expression, particularly for young people in underserved areas.

This investment is part of a larger £45 million Music Growth Package. It includes additional funding for grassroots music projects, artists, and music professionals. Furthermore, £10 million from dormant assets will support a creative mentoring scheme for care-experienced young people, offering them guidance from industry practitioners.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized music's role in connection and community building, stating the plan aims to widen opportunity and ensure the UK's musical talent continues to thrive. The plan also introduces longer licensing terms for music festivals and appoints the government's first Music Champion to liaise between the industry and government.