The Hepworth Band has secured grant funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the National Lottery through Arts Council England to deliver an ambitious programme that aims to develop new performance opportunities for the Yorkshire band.

New audiences

The funding will also be used to find new ways to engage with existing and new audiences, and to support the band as it adjusts to and recovers from the impacts of Covid-19.

The grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation will enable Hepworth to deliver an initial series of online community concerts, whilst the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant will facilitate development of a responsive website, refreshed social media platforms, a programme of social media support and the development of a new business plan for the band.

Sculpture & Brass

It will also enable the delivery a further series of online performances and concerts, the centrepiece of which is an innovative collaboration between The Hepworth Wakefield art museum entitled, 'Sculpture & Brass'.

The Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant, will see the band commission a work from composer Dr Liz Lane, that will explore the wider interests and influences of the work of the celebrated artist and sculptor Dame Barbara Hepworth, to provide a unique and original soundtrack to her most celebrated works.

The Hepworth's gallery spaces and outdoor sculpture garden will provide the setting to experience live performances by the band set amongst her inspirational works at the 2017 Art Fund Museum of the Year.

The Hepworth's gallery spaces and outdoor sculpture garden will provide the setting to experience live performances by the band set amongst her inspirational works at the 2017 Art Fund Museum of the Year4BR

Series

Band Manager Yvonne Embury told 4BR: "We're delighted to have secured funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

The series of projects will provide a focus for the band to work towards, helping to keep the band engaged and motivated, improve players wellbeing and confidence and will help to build capacity within the organisation.

We are particularly grateful to Carole Crompton for all of her help and advice and for coordinating and submitting the Arts Council England bid on our behalf."