The funding is to be shared between three organisations: The Arts Development Company, Dorchester Arts and Dorset Music Service.  The money will be used to support projects, including online music clubs for babies, lessons for children and young people and better access to music education online.

The Arts Development Company will gives funds to the Babigloo Music for Babies programme. The money will allow the programme, which works closely with Children’s Centres, focussing on babies in families who are experiencing isolation, post-natal depression and anxiety, to expand.

Young people can explore music making via funding from Dorchester Arts. Those involved will be mentored by some of Dorset’s young musicians, led by Dorchester Arts’ Youth Music Director Mickey Wills. They will also be able to do this via online tutorials to access music via social media. The project has been hosting weekly online sessions on Instagram and plans to begin COVID safe face-to-face sessions in the near future.

Meanwhile, Dorset Music Service will use its share of the funding to explore new ways of delivering music education so more young people in Dorset can engage with music activities that are relevant and accessible to them.

Focussing on the Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and Wareham areas, music leaders will be trained to encourage more young people to explore electronic music and song writing, as well as to develop more out of school programmes.

Strategic lead for Dorset Music Service at Dorset Council, Clair McColl, said, “We are delighted that Dorset Music Hub partners have received this funding which will go a long way to make sure all young people have access high quality music education. We will continue to work with schools across Dorset to make young people feel the benefits and pleasures that music and creativity can bring.”

Lead member for Education at Dorset Council, Cllr Byron Quayle said, “Music can transform lives and introduce young people to a huge range of opportunities. Children who get involved in music, arts and culture live happier, healthier lives.

“The grants will ensure the Dorset Music Hub community can work together and create more musical opportunities for our young people.”