How £500,000 offers hope
An organisation committed to helping young people unlock their musical potential has just announced it is launching a £500,000 fundraising drive – in a bid to help those facing discrimination.
Over the next three years, and under the banner Atsain (the Welsh word for 'echo') the charity Anthem is to fund the work for young people engaging in music who experience barriers through life circumstances, geographical difficulties, identity issues or background challenges.
In an ideal world, the cash will unearth new talent that goes on to take the musical world by storm, in a similar style to the likes to bands like the Manic Street Preachers (main picture) or the Stereophonics. But even if that doesn't happen, and all that materialises, is disadvantaged young people are offered access to greater opportunities, then it will be a job well done.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED: harpist, Catrin Finch, demonstrated her prodigious talent in Cardiff.
"Music is a passion for many young people. It’s a form of expression, it helps them to change their mood, it helps them to relieve stress, it builds their self-esteem," said Anthem chief executive, Rhian Hutchings. "And it can also be a career, the thing they want to do for the rest of their life. Young people find music in many ways, through school, through friends, at the local youth club, online. Being able to connect with music projects in their local area is a really important first step."
Many Welsh youngsters are unable to access music experiences through no fault of their own. They often live in the wrong geographical area or a place of high social deprivation or rural isolation. Others are simply excluded because of many other reasons. Until 2024, at least, Anthem’s funding will allow organisations to create opportunities that start to address young peoples' needs – as well as the barriers they face.
A fundraising event has already been held in Cardiff – and saw a £150,000 donation pledged by Youth Music. Its boss, Matt Griffiths, commented: “We’re excited to be the first investors in Anthem’s new Atsain fund, contributing £150,000 so that more young people can make, learn and earn in music.”
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: the new Atsain fund may help to unearth the next Stereophonics.
Performing at the event were some of the Principality's best-known musical figures – harpist, Catrin Finch, radio DJ, Huw Stephens, and Swansea-born pianist Ify Iwobi. There were also performances from several up-and-coming young musicians.
"The pandemic has been particularly tough for young people and young musicians," added Anthem Chair, David Alston. "We know Atsain will make a real difference to possibilities for young people in Wales. Music should be there for every young person, especially in Wales – a country so proud of its musical heritage."