Overview
- The government has pledged at least £12.5 million from the Dormant Assets Scheme to create free music studios, recording booths and performance spaces in public libraries across England.
- All 152 library authorities in England will be eligible to apply for funding to equip spaces with instruments, mixing desks and industry‑level technology.
- The Ed Sheeran Foundation will co‑design the programme with government, libraries, music teachers and youth groups to shape facilities and outreach.
- The Music in Libraries scheme sits inside a wider Music Growth Package that includes £15 million from Arts Council England and aims to support more than 2,000 projects and 40,000 artists and music professionals over three years.
- The idea grew from a 2024 visit by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Ed Sheeran to Ipswich’s Brighten the Corners, and the rollout also includes mentoring for care‑experienced young people and policy measures such as longer festival licences.