Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
In March 2015 I commissioned the formation of a task and finish group to look at the provision offered by local authority music services in Wales, including the provision of musical instrument tuition on school premises. The report of the group was published on 2 July 2015.
I am pleased to have reviewed the recommendations contained within the report. The report provides a detailed set of recommendations to address some of the inconsistencies in how music services are delivered across Wales. It calls for greater collaboration between local authorities to co-construct new models of delivery. The detail of the programme of actions to address the recommendations will need to be developed by stakeholders working together - including Welsh Local Government Association, local authorities, and the Arts Council of Wales.
Work has already begun on at least one of the recommendations. The Arts Council of Wales has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate the possibility and parameters for the establishment of a National Endowment for Music to develop opportunities for young people. The feasibility study will consider models for such an endowment and its resourcing, including the potential for a voluntary ticket levy.