Delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, the Classical EDI Development Fund aims to support artists and arts organisations to identify and develop pathways to greater equality, diversity and inclusion in the Scottish classical music sector.
Sonia Allori's image's is credit to Julian Maunder. Others are courtesy of the artist/Chamber Music Scotland.
Four exciting new projects are being supported by the fund in 2025. The initiatives will be delivered by a cohort of Scotland-based Musicians:
- Sonia Allori is a Scottish-Italian composer, performer, researcher and music therapist. Her project will explore descriptive creative captioning in both scored and improvised contemporary classical music with the aim of bringing new models of practice to a wider audience.
- Atzi Muramatsu is the Creative Director of Sonic Bothy and a multi-disciplinary composer whose works encompass concerts, dance, poetry, exhibited arts and films. His project will explore the development of a music mentorship programme to address the lack of opportunities for musicians with additional support for learning needs (ASLN).
- Anna Michels is a Scottish-Dutch pianist with an international career as a soloist and chamber musician. Her project will develop a podcast mini-series documenting the work and lives of underrepresented Scottish composers Marie Dare and Isobel Dunlop.
- Justyna Jablonska is a Polish-born and Edinburgh-based cellist forging an exciting career at the forefront of contemporary Western classical and non-Western music. Her research project will be co-created with Scotland’s Polish and Roma communities and explore personal narratives of intersectionality and immigration through music.
‘The Classical EDI Development Fund will support Sonic Bothy’s ambition to develop a new music mentorship programme - to empower our Disabled participants with additional support for learning needs to own their learning and artistic development.’ - Atzi Muramatsu, Fund Recipient.
“EDI funding will help me conduct in-depth interviews with Scotland's Polish and Roma communities. This opportunity will contribute to my ongoing creative practice. I am grateful for Chamber Music Scotland's support, which will allow me to explore these perspectives in my work.” - Justyna Jablonska, Fund Recipient.
Emma Campbell, Music Officer at Creative Scotland says: “By supporting innovative ideas and fostering collaboration, this initiative will open up new opportunities, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire fresh perspectives. We’re grateful to the fund applicants for putting their ideas forward and to Chamber Music Scotland for working with us to offer these grants that will give applicants the resources they need to develop their skills and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant classical music community."
Paul Tracey, Chief Executive at Chamber Music Scotland says: “We are proud to be working with Creative Scotland to bring this opportunity to the Scottish classical music sector again in 2024/25. The Classical EDI Development Fund is an important resource to help individuals and organisations work toward achieving greater diversity within classical music, which will enrich the genre and foster an exciting future for the sector in Scotland.”
The Classical EDI Development Fund is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Background
Chamber Music Scotland: Celebrating chamber music’s tradition and exploring its future. CMS works with chamber music performers and creators; promoters and audiences; and communities to share and experience music that represents Scotland, its people, places, and culture. Our organisation has a truly national reach and offers space for artist expression and development alongside substantial opportunities for members of the public to engage with our work. Our work encompasses artist residency programmes, community partnerships, creation of new works, EDI sector development, concert series and touring funding, developmental support, as well as UK and international collaborations. We aim to cultivate an identity for chamber music in Scotland which draws on our places, peoples, and culture and is unique on the world stage. Further information at chambermusicscotland.com.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, which, now in its 30th year, has supported over 14,600 projects with more than £501.9 million in funding through Creative Scotland and its predecessor, the Scottish Arts Council. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
Media contact
For more information contact: Lou Rowland, Admin & Comms, [email protected]