REGION HAS DESIGNS ON €3M FUND FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
WATERFORD and Wexford Education and Training Board ( WWETB) have unveiled an ambitious new plan to seek funding for music development in the region with the aim of providing performance education opportunities for children and young people throughout the two counties.
A fund of €3 million is available nationally through Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Progamme which was established by Music Network in 2010 and is co-funded by U2.
Securing finance is a competitive process but if funding is received, programmes will be designed to complement the mainstream music curriculum in schools for children up to 18 years old.
Speaking about the initiative, WWETB Chief Executive, Kevin Lewis said it is a unique opportunity to enhance the musical infrastructure in Wexford and Waterford and to make a difference to the lives of children. The funding supports initiatives that aim to ensure as many children and young people as possible, have access to vocal and instrumental performance music education in all styles of music, Kevin explained.
Dr. Karina Daly, WWETB Director of Organisation Support and Development, who is co-ordinating the application process, said they are looking for new ideas and ways of imagining the provision of music in the two counties.
‘ This is a fantastic opportunity and if funding is received it will enable us to deliver programmes in response to local need and context that will have a significantly positive impact on the region,’ she said. Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board is partnering with Wexford and Waterford County Councils to develop the funding proposal.
Wexford County Council Arts Officer, Liz Burns said they are looking for the general public to get involved.
People are invited to make written submissions to help WWETB shape the application and the views and expertise of music providers in the two counties will also be sought. A series of focus group meetings will be held in April. Surveys have already been sent out to primary and post-primary schools across Wexford and Waterford.
‘When preparing your submission remember that we won’t be replacing what’s already in existence,’ said Liz Burns. ‘We’re looking for creative ways to build on what we have and to provide for all children and young people.’
Send your written submissions to waterfordwexfordMEP@ gmail.com. The deadline is April 21.