Musinc receives Catalyser funding from Youth Music

Musinc has secured an award of £100,000 from Youth Music to continue its work in music making for young people in Middlesbrough.

As an existing funded partner of Youth Music, this next round of the Catalyser Fund will continue to support Musinc’s work for the next two years, from 2026 to 2028.

Musinc is one of only four projects in the North East to receive this round of Catalyser funding.

The fund supports children and young people who face barriers to make, learn or earn in music, and aims to make music activity more inclusive.

Musinc’s key priorities follow two strands: providing long-term music making for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent young people, as well as a strong progression pathway for all young people.

It will deliver these priorities through inclusive projects such as Middlesbrough Open Orchestra, which has gained regional and national recognition for its live performances, Bandjam, which provides opportunities for young people to learn, rehearse and perform in bands, and Young Producers, an activity co-designed with participants to programme local live events from up-and-coming artists.

As a strategic influencer in the Tees Valley, Musinc leads on developing inclusive practice, offering professional development sessions for music facilitators and work experience for young people to develop their confidence and skills in the workplace.

This next grant will allow it to further diversify its workforce, recruiting emerging music leaders and developing their skills to become specialist facilitators working with disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent young people.

Musinc Manager Samantha Knight said:

“We’re delighted that Youth Music have committed to supporting Musinc for the next two years.

“As an organisation who has received multiple grants from Youth Music, it really shows the value they see in our work and the difference we’re making for young people in Middlesbrough.

“We’re really excited for the next two years, providing more great opportunities for young people to make music.”

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education & Culture, said:

“This is fantastic news for a brilliant project that really does change lives.

“Music is a powerful force for good that helps young people from every possible background express themselves, find new outlets for their creativity and develop new and lasting friendships.

“I’m so grateful to Youth Music for recognising and nurturing this potential.”

Musinc is backed by Youth Music, thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England.