PRESS RELEASE - Closure of Music For Change, pioneering Canterbury-based inclusion and diversity charity
After 27-years of pioneering music-based projects with a focus on inclusion and diversity, the trustees of the Canterbury-based charity Music for Change announce their difficult decision to cease activity at the end of August 2024, following which the organisation will close.
Led by a small, dedicated operations team and an outstanding group of artists, Music for Change has played a significant role in raising the profile of cross-cultural understanding through wider music participation in Canterbury, Kent and beyond.
In recent times the third sector has been operating in a very challenging financial climate with rising costs, the impact of austerity cuts and increased competition for funding all taking their toll.
Many organisations, particularly in the arts, are finding it very difficult or impossible to survive, and it is with great sadness that Music for Change will join their ranks.
The Trustees would firstly like to thank all the schools, venues, community groups and partner organisations with whom we have worked and all the individuals who have taken part in and enjoyed our events, projects and activities.
We also thank our generous funders both large and small, our previous employees, and our many partners and volunteers. Above all though, we thank the dedicated Music for Change team which has kept the organisation alive under increasingly difficult circumstances, along with the incredible group of artists it has been our pleasure to work with and know. They have all played a part in bringing positive and lasting change to so many peoples’ lives, and their contributions will not be forgotten.
Looking to the future, in this easily-divided world we hope the work of Music for Change will continue under a new banner, with a fresh lease of life. A new approach is in development to allow for the continuation of the impactful work of this important organisation. Please revisit our homepage on this website for details on prospective future ventures.
There will be a small celebration of the work of Music for Change as part of Boing! 2024 at the University of Kent, Canterbury on Saturday, August 24th. With an exciting programme of performances and workshops, we will take the opportunity to mark this sad ending while celebrating the many achievements of the charity and all those involved with it over the last 27 years. All are welcome to join us, share a memory and raise a glass (of juice!) to the lasting legacy of Music for Change.
We would like to extend our thanks to The Martello Fund, Hilary Adams Accountants and Canterbury City Council for their support in this period.
