Anthem. Music Fund Wales has announced applications are now open for the second round of its Atsain Fund; supporting youth music organisations to address barriers to music for young people in Wales.

Launched for the first time in December 2021, the Atsain Fund awarded over £120,000 to 15 music organisations, collectively working with over 2000 young people across Wales. In addition, a network of all beneficiaries was created to facilitate forums for sharing best practice and building collaboration, ensuring young people get the most they can out of music.

Chief Executive of Anthem, Rhian Hutchings said:

“We’re already seeing young people connecting with music in new ways as a result of projects funded by the first round of Atsain. Our grantees are working with young people of all ages, helping them to build their confidence, explore their creativity and find pathways to potential future careers.  We’re thrilled to be able to offer support to yet more young people in this second round of the fund. A huge thank you to funders Youth Music and Welsh Government for continuing to support Atsain.”

From 1 September 2022, eligible organisations will be able to apply for up to £10,000 to help them deliver specific music projects for young people in Wales, supporting them to address specific barriers to engagement through life circumstances, geographical issues, identity or background.

CEO of Youth Music, Matt Griffiths said: 

“It’s great to see Atsain already equalising access to making, learning and earning in music for young people in Wales. We hope more innovative projects are inspired to apply for funding in the next round.”

Anthem believes music is a powerful way to help young people build self-esteem, make connections with others and relieve stress. It can also be a career. However, many young people in Wales are unable to access music experiences because they live in the wrong geographical area, or in an area of high social deprivation, or encounter exclusion in whatever form. Anthem’s funding allows organisations to create new projects in specific contexts to address young people’s needs and the barriers they face.

Atsain Programme Manager, Rebecca Rickard said:

“We’re excited to see how our grantees are working in partnership with organisations from other sectors who can help them provide the most benefit to young people. We welcome partnerships between organisations that focus on music, but also youth, community, disability, language, poverty, race and more. It is through partnerships that organisations get a better understanding of the barriers young people face, and how to break them down.”

For further information and to apply online please visit anthem.wales

Applications must be received by October 3 2022. To answer all questions about the Atsain Fund, join Anthem’s webinar at 10am on 13 September- register here.