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Aldeburgh Music

Renowned for delivering a world-class festival every June, Aldeburgh Music is leading the way in supporting the best emerging and most talented musicians. In May 2009 it opened its new …

Music policy

Our policy summarises the context for music and the Arts Council’s role. It sets out our vision for music and the priorities we have set to help us deliver it. Our ambition is to make it possible for audiences in England, wherever they live, to experience and be enriched by the best music from England and from around the world.

Music is a vibrant artform in England: more people than ever – young people, adults, professionals, amateurs – are playing, singing, creating their own music, downloading, DJing, buying, studying and listening to music.

The consolidation of the recording industry has been accompanied by an equally rapid growth in new technology – from iPods, DVDs and new digital channels to big-screen relays and internet broadcasting – and music has never before been so universally available.

Our funding supports the development of a diverse range of artists and organisations which produce and present the most inspiring musical experiences for audiences and participants across the country. 

The Take It Away instrument purchase scheme is aimed at encouraging anyone who plays or wants to learn a musical instrument, and our large scale investment in Youth Music offers thousands of children and young people, particularly those with limited opportunities, the chance to experience and take part in music.

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Arts policies (PDF)

Our arts policies set out the context for each artform, and the vision of what …

Arts policy (Word)

Our arts policies set out the context for each artform, and the vision of what …

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Art reviews

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Billy Childish - Unknowable but Certain

Moustachioed cult figure Billy Childish is nothing if not prolific. This show offers his recent paintings alongside writings and a room dedicated to his DIY musical output. A rare career survey for the man who can't spell and continues to champion punk like it is 1971.