The Council is pleased to confirm its continued role as the lead organisation for the Heart of England Music Hub, supported by a £1.7 million revenue grant from Arts Council England.
The grant has been provided for the 2025/26 academic year.
The funding supports the delivery of the government’s National Plan for Music Education: The Power of Music to Change Lives, which prioritises high-quality, inclusive, and accessible music provision. Coventry City Council will continue working closely with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council, and more than 30 local music and cultural organisations to ensure that children and young people across the region have greater opportunities to take part in music-making.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, said: "We are delighted to continue leading this vital work. Music has the power to transform lives, and with this funding we will ensure even more young people – regardless of background – can discover their talent, express themselves, and be part of something meaningful. Coventry remains firmly committed to inclusive, creative education."
Coventry’s share of the grant – £549,373 – will directly support local provision through Coventry Music, while the council will also coordinate funding for Warwickshire (£803,795) and Solihull (£355,704). In addition to the core grant, the Hub continues to generate match funding through partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
Through the Hubs inclusion strategy, a focus on Youth Voice and Musical Offer will be prioritised in 2025/26 and will aim to build on successes such as the Digital Music Festival in March 2025 taking place again in March 2026.
The year ahead will see more opportunities for young people to explore their creativity through music, with exciting announcements on upcoming events — including the Heart of England Music Hub Conference and the Digital Music Festival — which will be shared in September.
More information about Coventry Music
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