Music-making opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities have been boosted thanks to a new partnership between Colston Hall’s Bristol Music Trust and the city office of national law firm DAC Beachcroft.
The firm will support Bristol Music Trust’s inclusive arts education programme A New Ambition for Inclusive Excellence.
The programme aims to develop a sustainable and long-term strategy that delivers a high-quality, inclusive music offer to those in most need, setting a new standard of excellence for music education in the Greater Bristol area. 
DAC Beachcroft regional senior partner Nick Knapman said: “Inclusive practice is such an important issue and we are proud to get behind a project that will make such a positive impact for years to come.
“Colston Hall is a wonderful venue, delivering fantastic performances and educational programmes. We are delighted to support A New Ambition as part of our wider sponsorship of Bristol Music Trust.”
Bristol Music Trust chief executive Louise Mitchell added: “A New Ambition is part of our wider project to raise £45m to support Colston Hall’s transformation.
“To establish Colston Hall as a leading music education hub, spaces for lifelong learning must be constructed, including new classrooms and a technology lab. This will provide Bristol Plays Music with an inspiring cultural base to educate 20,000 children of all abilities and backgrounds every year. We want to thank DAC Beachcroft for their generosity and look forward to working together over the coming years”
A New Ambition, which is also supported by The National Foundation for Youth Music, is creating a blueprint for inclusive practice which will become the new standard for the music education sector. Between 2015 and 2018, A New Ambition is investing over £630,000 into the West of England for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability.
Colston Hall launched its £45m transformation programme Thank You for the Music in September 2014. Since then commitments have been made from Bristol City Council (£10m), central Government (£5m), Arts Council England (£10m), Heritage Lottery Fun (£4.75m) and private donors.
