Sunderland Empire funding success set to hit the high notes

Music engagement in Sunderland is set to hit the high notes thanks to recent Arts Council England funding. The award winning Creative Learning and Community Partnerships team at Sunderland Empire have secured over £56,000 from Arts Council England to fund and continue the development of music engagement in the area.

Following the success of the Beyond the Band Pit pilot in 2016, a project that inspired young people in song writing, live performances and industry insight from visiting productions including American Idiot and Sunny Afternoon, the team at the Sunderland Empire have developed a bid with Sunderland Music Hub to grow the Beyond the Band Pit concept further.

The funded project will see the team at the theatre continue to work with local partners and musicians including Sunderland Music Hub, in addition to the further development of existing relations with national organisations including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and National Theatre to inspire young people.

Over the years the Sunderland Empire have embedded the ethos of working with key partners into their provision including the Sunderland Music Education Hub, these cemented partnerships are driven by a shared vision of enabling every young person to explore their creativity.

Sunderland Music Hub is funded by the Department for Education and Arts Council and managed by Together for Children. They work with schools, teachers, practitioners, young people and organisations across Sunderland, to ensure all young people can access a high quality music education.

Over the past 5 years the Creative Learning and Community Partnerships team at Sunderland Empire has undergone huge trajectory, at the centre of the journey has been the development of dynamic partnerships. Beyond the Band Pit will develop the work of partners by providing a rich and holistic project that enables organisations to have a dedicated joint dialogue on music education across regions.

The award winning team at the theatre have also made the national Fantastic for Families shortlist, which has seen 25 arts and cultural organisations recognised for their outstanding contribution to arts and culture for families during the last year. They are on the shortlist for ‘Best Age-Friendly Welcome’ recognising outstanding provision for older family members, including staff welcome, communication and the venue and its facilities in accommodating the needs of older people. The finalists will be announced in February 2019.

For further information about project opportunities with the Creative Learning and Community Partnerships team at Sunderland Empire please contact 0191 566 1054 or email SunderlandEducation@theambassadors.com