Hall for Cornwall to lead music education for young people in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Hall for Cornwall (HfC) has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Music Hub for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly - from 1 September 2026.

As the new Hub Lead Organisation (HLO), HfC will work closely with local schools, existing and new Hub partners and the wider education, music and cultural sector to deliver high-quality music education for children and young people. 

Music Hubs enable young people to sing, play an instrument, create music, and perform together in and out of the classroom. Under HfC’s custodianship, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Music Hub activities will foster young people’s creativity and nurture their musical talent alongside progression opportunities for those who want to forge a career in music. 

On behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), Arts Council England will invest in HfC to lead the programme for the academic year 2026-27, including a revenue grant of around £670,000, subject to DfE allocation, to deliver music education - and a capital grant of £91,217 to purchase and maintain musical instruments, equipment and technology. Each HLO in the Music Hub programme receives a share of the total programme funding based on the most recent census date for eligible pupils in the local authority area it serves. 

HfC Chair Alan Davey CBE said: “Every child in Cornwall deserves a chance to hear and to make music and for music to be part of their lives.  Hall for Cornwall is delighted to be chosen to make that happen across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  We already bring the best of theatre and dance to Cornwall and encourage young people to follow and to realise their talent in these areas. So we are delighted to be able to do this for music, leading the Music Hub for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. Our ambition is to drive the delivery of high-quality music education in the same way we do with our theatre and dance programmes. We want to build on the existing Music Hub and use our convening influence to further develop the network of partners to deliver for young people in Cornwall. We’ll seek to understand any gaps and additional needs by engaging young people directly, together with schools and partners, to achieve this.” 
 

Under its Get Creative programme, HfC already provides a range of theatre and dance activities - with over 11,000 children and young people participating annually. As the lead organisation, HfC will harness all its expertise and that of its partners to strengthen the Music Hub’s governance, distinctiveness and future potential. Working in partnership with music education providers will ensure continuity in to and throughout the new academic year. 

Councillor Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, Cornwall Council said: “Children and young people in Cornwall should know that music and creativity can be part of their future, whatever path they choose. I’m delighted that the Music Hub for Cornwall is continuing, and I’m really pleased to see Hall for Cornwall taking on this leadership role. Cornwall has never lacked creativity or talent. What matters is making sure more young people have the chance to discover that in themselves. Music can build confidence and connection, and I’m excited to see more opportunities opening up for children and young people in communities across Cornwall.” 

The Music Hub’s funding agreement will transfer to HfC at the start of the new academic year, meaning HfC will lead the Hub for the rest of the funding period, from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.