The concept for the nationwide scheme originated with Ed Sheeran after a meeting last year with Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy at an arts charity in Ipswich. Observing the success of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries” model, Sheeran recognised the vast potential of leveraging existing public library infrastructure to broaden music education. Since then, his foundation has been working behind the scenes with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to turn the ambitious vision into reality.
The funding unlocks opportunities for all 152 library authorities across England to apply for grants. In the coming months, the Ed Sheeran Foundation and its partners will assist in co-designing the precise criteria for these spaces. Selected libraries will eventually host live performances, tutoring hours, and interactive workshops, while housing cutting-edge recording booths, mixing desks, and a wide array of musical instruments.
The announcement marks a major expansion for the charity, which has traditionally directed its efforts predominantly toward music education within state schools. Last year, Sheeran played a key role in securing England’s first major revision to the national school music curriculum in over a decade after writing an open letter to the Prime Minister.
By broadening its remit to include after-school programmes, the foundation aims to engage a broader segment of the community. Foundation data show that more than half of children aged 10-12 visited a public library in the previous year, underscoring the network as a crucial hub for equal opportunity. The charity will continue partnering with teachers, youth clubs, and leaders within the music industry to maximise the lasting creative impact of these spaces.
