As Orchestras for All (OFA) continues to expand and develop its reach and impact across the UK, the charity finds itself in an exciting new phase of growth and development.
We are now on the lookout for new headquarters that will provide much more to us than just office space; our new location could also be a hub for forging new partnerships, nurturing existing relationships and fostering creativity within the sectors of music education, mental health and wellbeing, youth leadership and engagement.
We invite you, our incredible network of supporters and followers, to join us on our search by sharing your expert insights and recommendations for where our new headquarters could be based.
A Modulo participant expertly conducting their ensemble
What are we looking for?
Our vision is a country where all young people have access to the joy and benefits of orchestral music making, regardless of the daily challenges they might be facing.
By relocating to a vibrant location that takes OFA’s strategy into consideration, we aim to amplify our charity’s impact, celebrate being truly national and strengthen our connections within the sectors we are so deeply passionate about.
We have now embraced a hybrid model of working and are based all across the UK, so our new headquarters will not merely offer us a physical space, it will also provide us with the opportunity to collaborate and innovate.
We are envisioning an area of the country where like-minded organisations and individuals can come together to share ideas, knowledge and resources. It should be a dynamic space, where music educators, mental health and wellbeing advocates, youth leaders and artists alike can join forces to create a positive ripple effect across the UK.
Anthony and the powerful National Orchestra for All (NOFA) trumpet section
We need your help!
We believe that the best suggestions often come from the participants of our programmes and the supporters who believe in our cause. Whether you’re a young person, teacher or tutor working with OFA, or someone who values the impact of music on young lives, your input is truly invaluable to us.
Can you suggest a city or town that is well-known for its vibrant arts scene and/or commitment to young people?
Is there a region in which the passion for music and wellbeing of young people seamlessly unite?
Perhaps you have a personal connection to a place or organisation that you feel we should be teaming up with, to ensure our vision and mission become a reality?
We hope this callout will result in an exciting list of locations and partners that we can explore for our relocation, or give us food for thought about how we might engage with other brilliant organisations.
Orchestras for All Artistic director and conductor, Emma, leading the way with her violin
How to get involved
There are three key ways you can contribute:
Share your suggestions: Please complete the short questionnaire below, offering recommendations for where our new headquarters should be and explain why you think a particular place would be an ideal fit;
Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to participate. The more diverse and wide-ranging the suggestions, the better!
Engage in the conversation: Follow our social media updates and join the ongoing conversation about our potential new headquarters’ location. Your insights and perspectives are incredibly valuable.
Your recommendations will not only help to shape our future; they will also enable us to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people nationwide.
We will research each and every recommendation, assessing their potential within the topics of strategic and partnership opportunity, accessibility, financial and environmental opportunity and impact, culture and values as well as participant and audience development.
Thank you for being part of our mission – stay tuned for updates and we can't wait to see where this collaborative effort takes us! Together, we can continue to smash down the barriers to music making that so many young people face every day.
Questionnaire deadline: 12pm on Thursday 28th of September
