Mind the Gap Secures £95K Funding from Youth Music Foundation

Mind the Gap is thrilled to announce the company has successfully secured £95,115 from Youth Music Foundation to develop the music skills of people with learning disabilities across West Yorkshire.

The funding will enable MTG to deliver a three stranded programme of skills development over 32 months. Activities include pathways ranging from entry-level sessions for young people aged 11+, to peer mentoring and music artists’ development, as well as plenty of performance opportunities. The aim is to make learning-disabled musicians more visible in the sector and offer progression routes for learning-disabled people who want to make music.

Partners involved include Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax, Theatre Royal Wakefield and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds. We will also identify and link up with new groups and artists within local communities in Bradford, Wakefield, Leeds and Calderdale.

Executive Director Julia Skelton said “We’re thrilled to be able to embed music skills more deeply and widely into MTG’s programme, and work with new partners. It’s an accessible way and enjoyable way to involve more young learning disabled people in the arts, initially as participants and audiences and – we hope in the longer term – as artists”.

The programme starts with different pilot and taster activities, and from September 2017 will offer different opportunities through MTG Academy, workshops and longer programmes in Bradford, Halifax, Leeds and Wakefield.

To find out more and get involved email charli@mind-the-gap.org.uk, or call 01274 487390.