Get more out of music...
Inspiring children and young people to develop a love of music through participation in musical experiences within and outside school.
Cumbria Music Education Hub is collaborative partnership led by Westmorland & Furness Council Music Service (Children’s Services). Working together with Cumberland Council Music Service, schools and educational settings across Cumbria, and local, regional and national partners, we use the ACE Music Hub Grant to deliver the vision and three goals of the National Plan for Music Education and enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents.
Expressions of Interest: Music Hub Funding 2026-27
Cumbria Music Hub is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from existing and new partners for grant funding to support music education activity in the 2026-27 academic year.
Who can apply?We welcome EOIs from:
- Local Authorities within Cumbria
- Existing and new partners, including: schools and education providers, arts and cultural organisations, charities, trusts and community groups.
- Applicants must be able to meet partnership requirements (e.g. safeguarding, insurance, financial controls).
About the funding
- This funding comes from the Department for Education via Arts Council England and is distributed by Cumbria Music Hub to support our local and national priorities. This is a grant process, not a tender. It is designed to be simple, proportionate and supportive, Funding is awarded to support activity and outcomes, not to commission services. Successful applicants will have flexibility in how activity is delivered (within agreed outcomes).
Our priorities for 2026–27
We are particularly interested in proposals that align with one or more of the following:
- Ensembles and progression - regular, ongoing local opportunities
- First Access - including whole-class instrumental programmes
- CPD and curriculum development for schools
- SEND and inclusion
- Access to high-quality live music experiences
- We will prioritise:
- Underserved areas or groups facing barriers
- Projects that offer sustained, regular activity
- Proposals with match funding
Key information
Activity must take place between September 2026 - August 2027
Funding is awarded on a one-year basis
Submitting an EOI does not guarantee funding
Decisions will be made through Hub governance processes
How to apply
To request an EOI template please email us.
Completed EOIs must be returned by 22 June 2026.