Creative Arts & Music
TALENT BEYOND CIRCUMSTANCE
CONNECTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MUSIC
We believe that talent should never be limited by circumstance.
Our mission is to connect young people with musical opportunities they might otherwise never have.
Creative Arts & Music exists to ensure that every child and young person across Northern Ireland has the opportunity to access music education, regardless of their financial circumstances or background.
We believe that creativity should never be out of reach.
Too often, the cost of private music tuition creates a divide, where only some children can access the proven benefits of music, from improved wellbeing to stronger social, emotional, and academic development. At the same time, school music provision is increasingly limited due to budget constraints, leaving many young people, particularly those with additional needs, without access to creative outlets.
We are here to change that.
ACCESS TO MUSIC
LEARN TO PLAY
PERFORM MUSIC
GROW SKILLS
WHY DOES THIS MATTER? wHAT IS OUR MISSION?
It supports emotional wellbeing, builds confidence, and encourages self expression. It strengthens cognitive development and is linked to improved literacy, numeracy, and memory skills. Most importantly, it creates a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Research consistently shows that children engaged in music education perform better academically and develop stronger social connections.
Yet for many, these opportunities are simply not available and we believe that must change.
HOW DO WE IMPLEMENT OUR MISSION?
Our mission is to create equal access to high quality music education for all children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.
We do this by removing financial and social barriers, opening pathways to creativity, and ensuring that no one is excluded from the opportunity to learn, grow, and express themselves through music.
Through charitable funding and philanthropic support, we provide:
- Music tuition and workshops for young people who would otherwise be unable to access them
- Opportunities for creative expression in inclusive, supportive environments
- Pathways for continued learning, development, and confidence building
Our goal is simple but powerful: To make music education accessible to everyone.
We are building a future where access to music education is not determined by circumstance.
A future where every child has the chance to discover their creativity, build confidence, and unlock their potential.
Because music does not just teach skills. It changes lives.
THE JOURNEY:
Through years of working with children, young people and families, Claire and Heather saw first-hand how transformative access to music and the arts can be, and how often barriers prevent young people from accessing those opportunities.
Together, they believed more could be done to reach children and young people who may otherwise miss out.
creative arts & music: our story
Creative Arts & Music was founded by Claire Bowes and Heather McFadden, brought together by a shared belief that every child and young person should have access to music and the arts, regardless of financial or social barriers.
With years of experience in music education and community engagement, they recognised the powerful impact creativity can have on confidence, wellbeing, communication and opportunity.
INSPIRATION:
What began with scholarships, community projects and a passion for helping others grew into a bigger vision , a charity focused on removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities through music and the arts.
Creative Arts & Music exists to help more children and young people experience the confidence, connection and creativity that the arts can bring, no matter their background or circumstances.