Sheffield’s vibrant and diverse grassroots music scene has gained a new support network following the recent launch of The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation.
The charity, created in memory of the late Tramlines director, provides grant funding to community groups, schools, and socially and economically disadvantaged people so they can access the transformative power of music.
Sarah’s mother, Julie Voisey, who heads the charities trustees, said: “Since we lost Sarah, we have been overwhelmed by the way her friends and the people across the city came together to support local charities in her memory.
“In creating the Power of Music Foundation, we hope to spread happiness and joy throughout Sheffield in a new way.
“We know that music has the ability to improve people’s mental wellbeing and in these very difficult times, I truly hope we can make a difference to people’s lives.”
From funding music therapy for community groups and grants, to purchasing instruments and enabling access to online music classes throughout lockdown, the foundation aims to spread happiness through music.
Sarah Nulty was an integral part of the Sheffield music scene after she arrived as a student in 1999, working her way up from behind the bar to becoming one of the driving forces behind Tramlines since 2009.
Speaking about the Foundation’s grant funding launch, Julia Waldron, Development Manager from Under The Stars, an arts and events charity for people with learning disabilities, said: “Sarah was a passionate supporter of Under The Stars, she gave our artists exposure on prominent stages they are often excluded from.
“This fund will give lots more people with a disability in Sheffield opportunities in music that would otherwise be unavailable. We are really looking forward to working with the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation in the future.”
Individuals and businesses across Sheffield can support by making regular or one-off donations via TotalGiving or through the Foundation’s shop online at www.thesarahnultypowerofmusicfoundation.co.uk, where supporters can purchase the iconic ‘Be More Nulty’ T-shirts, as well as tote bags with an exclusive design that represents the charity’s new beginnings.
Supporting organisations are invited to apply for the Power of Music Foundation’s first round of grant funding by visiting the Foundation’s website. Individual grants of up to around £300 will be considered, and used in a variety of the aforementioned ways.
Mrs Voisey added: “From funding music lessons to purchasing musical equipment and everything in between, we’re open to helping people to experience the power and joy that music can bring in whatever way that works for them.”
“Music was such an enormous part of Sarah’s life and something so close to her heart. This feels like the right way to remember her.”
