More than 450,000 young people have taken part in a national music programme designed to boost wellbeing, confidence, and access to the arts.
The Youth Music Initiative (YMI), a Scottish Government-funded programme delivered by Creative Scotland, supported over 453,000 children and young people last year, many from backgrounds that would otherwise limit their opportunities to take part.
Launched in 2003, YMI aims to put music at the heart of young people’s lives and learning.
With an annual budget of £9.78 million, the initiative supports music-making across all genres, age groups and teaching methods.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson welcomed the latest review of the programme during Challenge Poverty Week, praising YMI for its contribution to wellbeing and inclusion.
“At its heart, the YMI is about providing young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy music,” said Robertson.
“Participation in cultural and creative activities helps young people grow into confident citizens and plays an important role in fostering wellbeing and supporting attainment.”
The review also praised the programme’s new strand, the Youth Arts Open Fund delivered with YouthLink, which is already reaching children facing additional barriers.
One example is ‘Starcatchers’, a creative project that turned an empty retail unit in Wester Hailes into a free Baby Studio for families with young children.
Morag Macdonald, YMI Manager at Creative Scotland, called the report “a pivotal moment.”
“It reflects the profound impact of the YMI on Scotland’s children and young people,” she said.
“We remain ambitious about the fund’s future and welcome the review’s recommendations.”
These recommendations include exploring structural changes and expanding innovation, with the aim of positioning YMI as a world-leading model for youth arts engagement.
Creative Scotland distributes YMI funding on behalf of the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, ensuring support for music-making in schools, communities, and creative spaces across the country.
