It’s been a week since I stepped down after five years as Chair and ten as a trustee of Sound and Music, the UK’s national charity for new music. I’ve had time to reflect on the immense creativity and resilience of the UK arts community, and what a privilege it’s been to witness it. The journey hasn’t always been smooth—musicians and composers were hit hard by the pandemic, and ongoing funding cuts have battered the whole sector. But somehow, the music never stopped.

The UK’s cultural landscape is one of our greatest assets, a field in which we consistently shine on the global stage. As Labour pointed out in their arts manifesto, the UK is one of only three countries that are net exporters of music. However, the funding for arts and culture doesn’t always reflect this. For context, the entire National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) budget—which supports all cultural organisations: visual arts, museums, dance, theatre, and music—is less than the government spent in one month on the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme. And England’s entire culture budget? Less than half of what Germany spends on culture in Berlin alone. Yet, despite all this, there’s still plenty of optimism.

Behavioural science shows that people are drawn to what feels familiar. For too long, music has been divided into old genre labels—classical, jazz, electronic, folk—when, in reality, it’s fluid, messy, and gloriously unpredictable. At Sound and Music, we’ve championed cross-genre collaboration, encouraging artists to tear up the rulebook and create something entirely new.

Music has also long been slapped with the label “elitist,” as if it’s only for those who can sight-read at 20 paces or know they should stand up for the Hallelujah Chorus. But music is for everyone. Through community projects, genre-bending collaborations, and educational outreach, organisations like Sound and Music are steadily dismantling the barriers that once made the arts feel exclusive. The result? A far more vibrant, inclusive, and—frankly—fun musical landscape. Audiences are becoming more adventurous too, engaging with music on their own terms rather than being told what’s “good” or “worthy.”

Challenges remain, of course. Big, shiny venues and prestigious orchestras often hog the spotlight—and the funding. It’s easier to feel a warm glow from donating to something well-known. But organisations like Sound and Music, which nurture emerging talent and amplify voices that don’t always get heard, are increasingly gaining recognition. These grassroots initiatives are the lifeblood of our cultural ecosystem, ensuring creativity thrives from the bottom up. And, let’s be honest, they’re often where the real magic happens.

Sound and Music plays a vital role here, advancing musical creativity rather than focusing solely on performing established works. If we want to foster the next generation of composers and musicians, we need to give young people the tools to create, not just replicate. At Sound and Music’s annual residential for young composers, we see the electrifying results of this shift: young people finding their voices and taking risks, exactly what the future of music needs.

On a personal note, my time as chair has been immensely rewarding. Coming from a day job far removed from the arts, I’ve learned a huge amount about governance and the arts sector. I had thought my music tastes were already eclectic, but my boundaries have expanded enormously. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the most passionate, creative people you could hope to meet—staff, artists, and fellow board members who’ve thrown themselves into their work with a level of dedication that’s nothing short of inspiring.

One thing I’ve learned as a chair is the value of silence. In board meetings, I discovered that the best approach is often to stay quiet and let the awkward pauses stretch out. Just when you think you need to step in, someone will come up with a brilliant idea or insight. And often, it’s from someone with a completely different perspective, which makes all the difference.

If I could offer one piece of advice, it’s that everyone should consider becoming a trustee—and do so younger. I joined through a corporate programme that matched senior employees with charity board positions, and I’ve wondered ever since why I didn’t seek out trustee roles earlier. It’s a chance to give back, broaden your perspective, and help shape the future of causes you care about. Charities thrive on fresh perspectives, and trusteeship offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and make a real difference. Worthwhile causes looking for energetic trustees aren’t hard to find.

As I step down, I’m filled with optimism. Yes, the arts face challenges, but we’re making progress. We’re breaking down perceptions of elitism, applying behavioural insights to engage new audiences, and nurturing creativity at every level. Sound and Music is in an exciting place, with a new executive team, a fresh strategy, and a huge appetite to bring the cutting edge of new music and sound to everyone to continue to help shape the modern world. In a world where cultural funding is under pressure, nurturing creativity feels more important than ever.

And creativity will always find a way. I can’t wait to sit in the audience and enjoy the wildly varied, exuberant, and creative performances that Sound and Music sparks, reflecting the wonderful diversity of new music in the UK. The journey is just beginning so let’s keep the momentum going, because it is a journey well worth taking – and one that transforms creativity, careers, communities, and the very cultural identity of this country.

— Greg Davies, PhD

The Chief Executive of Sound and Music, Dr Will Dutta, bids farewell to our outgoing chair, saying: 

“I’d like to thank Greg Davies for his unwavering commitment to the charity, leading us through the pandemic and a challenging funding environment, and as we boldly transformed our organisation and set our new strategic roadmap. As in any production, so much takes place behind the scenes. It’s testament to his leadership that Sound and Music is now in a strong position to offer life-changing opportunities to so many musical creators and champion new music and scenes reflective of the wonderful diversity of the UK.”