ACE releases Music Hub Investment Programme timeline

Hattie Fisk
Wednesday, May 31, 2023

The timeline establishes details for the Hub Lead Organisation application process, ensuring the programme is in place for children and young people by September 2024.

Music for Youth Proms
Music for Youth Proms

Music for Youth / Arts Council England

Guidance for the Music Hub Investment Programme has been published by Arts Council England (ACE) ahead of the application window opening this summer. 

A brief summary of the time frame: 

  • Week commencing 12 June 2023: Guidance for Applicants published   
  • 28 June 2023: Music Hub Investment Programme webinar
  • Monday 10 July to Friday 18 August 2023: introductory conversations 
  • Week commencing 17 July 2023: application portal opens  
  • Monday 31 July 2023: deadline for requesting an introductory conversation
  • 12 October 2023: application portal closes
  • Early 2024: decisions to the Department for Education 
  • April 2024: award notifications  
  • September 2024: new Music Hubs in place for children and young people

Read the full ‘step by step’ timeline here. 

This process is part of ACE’s promise to facilitate an investment programme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) to appoint new Music Hub Lead Organisations. This is one element of the continued Music Hub Programme, which is has been given £79 million government investment annually. 

The delivery of the new music hubs through the Investment Programme is designed to help achieve the vision stated in the newly published National Plan for Music Education. The aim is to ensure all children and young people will have the opportunity to progress their musical interests. 

ACE has confirmed there will be no gap in music hub provision for children and young people during the programme, and that current funding for Hub Lead Organisations will continue until August 2024. 

Funding agreements for the new Programme will be established in academic years from September 2024 onwards.

ACE has published a video (below) outlining how music hubs can get involved in the programme.

Watch