Ed Sheeran inspires government-backed 'music in libraries' scheme

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Ed Sheeran has sponsored music initiatives in schools and libraries By Mark Savage Music correspondent Published 29 minutes ago Public libraries around England will become "music lending spaces" offering free studio space and performance opportunities, under new government plans to boost the UK music industry. The initiative was inspired by Ed Sheeran's charity, which has funded similar schemes in libraries and youth centres, as well as offering instrument loans to aspiring musicians. Sheeran championed the scheme to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last year, as they visited the non-profit arts organisation Brighten The Corners, in Ipswich. She has now secured at least £12.5 million for a Music in Libraries initiative - co-designed by Sheeran - which will pay for recording booths, mixing desks and other equipment. Musician and broadcaster Guvna B, who got his start in a local church, says the scheme could be crucial for musicians from underprivileged backgrounds. "If you look at libraries, they're places that young people are familiar with," he said. "They feel safe there, and they're going to feel free to create good stuff in an environment they're comfortable in." The musician, who is also co-chair of the charity Youth Music, stressed that access to music is a key part of tackling the rise in mental health conditions amongst young people. "Something that's often underestimated about music is just how it helps people deal with difficult situations in their life and express themselves," he said. "You don't all have to be headlining the O2 Arena or Wembley Stadium. Sometimes it's enough for a kid in a bedroom in Scunthorpe to pick up a guitar and just express themselves. What that does for a young person's mind is second to none." Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hopes the new scheme will open up careers in music to those who might not have considered it an option After her visit to Ipswich last year, Nandy described the town as a "model" for upcoming musicians, with "an entire ecosystem" dedicated to nurturing new talent. The government hopes to replicate that elsewhere, with a music plan that aims to provide mentoring for artists and promoters, as well as cutting red tape for music festivals and small venues. An extra £15 million will be allocated to the pre-existing Music Growth Package, which is intended to help emerging artists break through at home and internationally. The government says it will also relax licensing restrictions for music events, and offer longer contracts to music festivals, to make their future more secure from year to year. In a statement, Nandy framed the changes as a way of making the £8bn music industry more accessible. "As the song says, 'Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.' But pop is getting posher, and that must change. "We believe music belongs to every