Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund
hits ten-year milestone

Founded in memory of much-loved Leeds school teacher Ann Maguire, the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund has been providing arts opportunities for young people for a decade.  

Ann had an incredible gift for identifying potential in her pupils and giving them encouragement and strength to help realise their goals. In her honour, the fund continues her work by enabling and developing the aspirations of young people. 

Since 2015, the fund has invested in 37 community organisations that have, in turn, supported more than 4,200 young people. They’ve provided a wide variety of arts opportunities, including poetry and creative writing, choirs and singing, dance, theatre, music, production and film. 

As well as engaging with the arts, these opportunities have impacted the wider lives of the young people involved. Many have reported improved mental health and wellbeing, a greater sense of belonging in their communities and better social networks. 

One project participant said “This is a safe place for me to come to. All the staff talk to me and make me feel like I belong to a group. I am also pleased that this is free because my family can’t afford any fees for me to attend anything I like.” 

We’re proud to have worked with the Maguire family to provide opportunities through the Ann Maguire Arts Education Fund over the past 10 years, continuing Ann’s inspiring legacy.