Cornwall Council has announced it is searching for an alternative provider for the Cornwall Education Music Hub (CEMH), which provides music activities for schools and young people around the county.

The CEMH is a partnership of local and national music and arts organisations, and part of Cornwall Council’s Education Service. It provides important music-related curricular and extra-curricular activities for schools, children and young people in Cornwall and is funded through Arts Council England (ACE) and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).

The Hub’a website states that it “leads on the strategic development of music education locally and works with a variety of organsiations and individuals to meet local needs. We are constantly striving to ensure that we reach all children and young people, regardless of age, location or interests”.

However, with finances under enormous pressure due to the combined effects of the pandemic and a rise in demand for frontline services such as adult social care, Cornwall council is unable to continue maintaining the CEMH in its current format.

The council says it is now working with Arts Council England to identify a suitable provider to take on delivery of the Hub so that access to music learning for children and young people in Cornwall is maintained.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Children and Families, Barbara Ellenbroek, said: “The Hub is an important part of our learning provision, helping inspire pupils to develop their talents and foster a love of music.

“We are not closing the Hub down, but our finances are stretched, and we are facing some tough choices. That is why we have taken the decision to work with Arts Council England to identify a new provider so that access to music and musical instruments will continue to be universally available for children and young people in Cornwall.”