We are delighted to share that we have been successful in our application to become a Creative Scotland portfolio organisation. This is the first time we have been offered a multi-year commitment by Creative Scotland, which means stable, year-on-year funding to support our long-term strategic plans and vision.
Our application builds on our understanding that the delivery of long-term regular programmes have the greatest impact on wellbeing. It also lays out how we will work towards our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility aims to ensure that as many people as possible can access the public benefit of our work.
The programme, which contributes to our mission to create connections and shared, meaningful live music experiences for people in hospitals and care, will focus on our four key areas – serious illness, mental health, dementia and wellbeing. We aim to reach people at all stages of care in our key areas, including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. We also want to ensure that those who care for them can access, participate and benefit from our activities.
Within each area of care, and within each health and care space we work in, there will be a wide range of people with differing needs and interests. This is why our model of delivery and creative practice is designed to be flexible and co-created with the people we support.
Our approach balances continuing and consolidating our existing live music programmes, to ensure longer-term, regular provision, with increasing the reach of our work to ensure that more people can access and experience live music.
We look forward to sharing more as we progress our plans.
Arts in Care Homes Day: Thanking Bert Smith
This Arts in Care Homes Day, we’re taking the time to thank Moyness Care Home’s Activities Coordinator Bert Smith, who has championed live music for care homes in Dundee for over 30 years. As Bert approaches retirement, he is looking back on his career and years of work with Music in Hospitals & Care.
World Alzheimer’s Month: Lifting spirits in Cumbria
Our musician Andy McKay has been visiting wards and care homes across Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where we have been able to share 29 hours of live music between September 2025 and May 2026. One of the spaces Andy visited is the Ramsey Unit at Furness General Hospital, an assessment unit for patients with organic illnesses such as dementia.
Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.