UK - Arts Council loans for instruments

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 01:35 PM

I agree with Diane, it's better than nowt. My earlier post / complaint was based on my experience with Northumbrian smallpipes, none of which are sold through "registered outlets".

So school age children becoming keen on them through use of loan instruments at school(and there are an increasing number of these), and whose parents struggle to find the 1000 pounds or so for a decent set cannot use the Take It Away system.

I'm sure there must be other instruments that are the same.

Paws

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 11:23 AM

Previous thread

ACE started it a couple of years ago. It's not new and it's quite limited. But in the current financial climate when local education authorities are not being exactly generous in handing out dosh either for used instruments or giving work to independent craftspersons, it's better than nowt.

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: nickp
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 11:08 AM

True Ed, but I hadn't noticed that and it was me that put UK in the subject.

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 09:37 AM

Ruth,

The page Nick linked to states: "Take it away is only available through registered outlets. For details please see participating stores."

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 09:23 AM

Why is this, Wolfhound? Does the loan specify that only certain types of retailers can be used?

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 09:17 AM

They're no use at all if you want a handmade instrument rather than a standard one bought through a retailer.
And some instruments don't come through standard retailers at all.

Paws

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: nickp
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 05:55 AM

Thanks for the clarification both. Yes, I'm a bit worried about the impending Olympics as well - at least I don't live in an area that is having the council tax increased to host them...

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: sian, west wales
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:16 AM

Sorry Nick. Didn't mean to be snappy about it. Ruth Archer is right; Wales has had instrument support but it isn't currently on offer. This is partly due to ACWales funds being at about half what they used to be a couple of years ago. (Thank you, Olympics, among others) Hopefully the Welsh scheme will return at some point. If I were in England, I'd grab the funding while I can. The Olympics loom large.

Actually, for amateur groups, there are still loans available through the Welsh Amateur Music Federation - just not for individuals.

sian

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:12 AM

Nickp: Arts Council England covers England. The other regions each have their own equivalent. They operate different schemes at different times, independently of one another.

Not narrow-mindedness, just regional administration.

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: nickp
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:01 AM

Sorry Sian, I wasn't aware it was purely English. And having found a map showing the areas involved it does indeed miss out Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland. How disappointing and how narrow minded. Nick

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: sian, west wales
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:50 PM

I think there was a thread on this previously. Once again - NOT UK! It is an Arts Council of ENGLAND scheme.

sian

Subject: RE: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: Jane of 'ull
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:02 PM

I am considering buying a new fiddle through this scheme. But i would like to part exchange mine, I dont know if they allow that. It sounds like a great scheme, I must admit I am impressed.

Subject: UK - Arts Council loans for instruments
From: nickp
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:28 AM

Yes, interest free loans for instruments - check it out here - Take It Away

A quote from the link:

"Take it away is an Arts Council initiative designed to help more people get involved in learning and playing music. The scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free.

Take it away is open to everyone (over the age of 18), but primarily designed to help those who might otherwise be unable to afford an instrument appropriate for their needs."

And so on...

There are 5 short videos featured on their web page which aim to explain how music affects the subjects. I have a peripheral interest in the one on Carole the banjo player because I was instrumental (no pun intended... well, maybe a bit) in getting the filming arranged at FOAOTMAD's Gainsborough old time music festival.

Hope it's of interest to some of you.

Has anybody made use of the offer?

Nick