Awards for Young Musicians gain National Portfolio Organisation status

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Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) are delighted to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of funded organisations for 2023-2026. This support will enable us develop and expand our work with young people from low-income families, so their talent can blossom.

For over 20 years, AYM have supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them overcome financial and social obstacles. Whatever the genre their strategically-targeted programmes help young musicians from across the UK to grow, flourish and fulfil their musical potential.

In becoming a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) AYM will join 990 organisations in receiving a share of £446 million (each year) ensuring that more people in more places can find fantastic, fulfilling art and culture on their doorsteps.

This funding will support AYM’s four programmes, each of which is built around two key aims: removing the financial barriers and other obstacles that prevent young people getting into music and helping realise their potential once they’re on their way.

AYM Chief Executive Hester Cockcroft said: “AYM is incredibly pleased to be joining the 2023-26 National Portfolio. Arts Council England’s support will enable us to develop and expand our work with young people from low-income families so their talent can blossom. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with music leaders and partners across the country to create a more inclusive and diverse music sector.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: “Arts Council England is delighted to be welcoming Awards for Young Musicians into the 2023-26 National Portfolio. The charity’s contribution in supporting young musicians from low-income backgrounds aligns with our vision set out in Let’s Create, particularly around creating a more inclusive and relevant sector. Awards for Young Musicians recognises that while music talent is everywhere, opportunity is not – and the funding will enable them to explore new approaches to talent development on a national scale. We look forward to seeing their new ambitions come to life, enabling children and young people from towns, cities and villages across the country to flourish.”