Empowering communities in Manchester through music
Who We Are
Olympias Music Foundation (OMF) is an award-winning music charity based in Manchester. We work to champion diversity in music – from instrumental lessons for children on free-school meals, to community choirs for diverse women and school children, we believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in music.
Since 2015, we have delivered over 13,000+ free music lessons to children in Manchester, engaging hundreds more through workshops and performances.
We’re proud to have received a number of regional and national awards for our work, including the Creativity in the Community Prize (Be Proud Awards 2019), Promotion of Equality and Diversity Prize (Manchester Culture Award 2018) and Grassroots Champion Award (Community Integration Awards 2017).
Our Mission
Our mission is to prepare young people for an exciting musical future. We do this by providing free, sustained music lessons for children experiencing social and financial barriers in Manchester; equipping them to be curious, agile, and inquisitive young musicians; and encouraging them to explore the unfamiliar.
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This journey is undertaken as a community – working together with families, stakeholders, and cultural institutions – to enable understanding, cultural sharing, and connection.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a brave new generation of diverse young musicians and audiences in Manchester. We see a future where all children have access to an excellent music education, and where music opens doors to new worlds and unites communities.
Our Values
We are a grassroots music charity - but we are ACTIVISTS at heart – advocating for vital changes to a system which prevents young people from achieving their potential.
We are TENACIOUS in our belief that all children in Manchester should have equal access to an outstanding music education, regardless of background or income.
We do this as a COMMUNITY, working collaboratively with families, stakeholders, and supporters to nurture the next generation of diverse performers and audiences.
We recognise the rich tapestry of MUSICAL CULTURES which lies beyond the western vernacular and strive to learn more about the musical worlds in which our communities reside.
We CARE deeply about the people we work with. We are nothing without our staff, teachers, and volunteers. Their long-term wellbeing is paramount to ours.
"I love the opportunities you can get because I play the violin, there are a lot of schools I'm able to go to just because I play the violin... it's improved my confidence at school."