WHAT DOES MUSIC MEAN TO YOU?

Your voice can shape our future.

The What Does Music Mean To You (WDMM2U) project was first delivered in 2022 as a way to engage the local community and understand the role of music in people’s lives. It explored how residents experience music, the barriers they face in accessing cultural opportunities, and how Future Yard could remove those barriers.

Following feedback that affordability was a significant barrier to accessing live music, we created the Neighbourhood Ticket Scheme. The scheme exists to support our closest neighbours, residents of CH41 and CH42, and those further afield who are experiencing financial barriers to attending live music, by offering free tickets to a wide range of shows. We prioritise CH41 and CH42 to make sure the people in the community where we are based benefit directly from what we do.

In the four years since the first project, our community partnerships have grown and developed into the Neighbourhood Champions Group. This group brings together local organisations who are supporting Future Yard to make live music accessible and welcoming. This support might include distributing Neighbourhood Tickets, informing people about our learning programmes, providing financial support, or contributing in other meaningful ways.

Read the full 2022 report (PDF)

WDMM2U 2026

The data collection part of WDMM2U 2026 took place in June and July.

Building on the insights and relationships developed in 2022, WDMM2U 2026 aims to go beyond listening, by implementing tangible changes, strengthening neighbourhood trust, and improving access.

We asked many of the same questions as the 2022 project to see what’s changed over the last four years.

We wanted to know:

“What does music mean to you?”

“What barriers do you face to accessing music and culture?”

“How can Future Yard support community programming?”

We’ve had some fantastic responses through both our online survey and our WDMM2U postcards, and it’s been great to hear so many different perspectives from across the local community.

As part of the project, we’ve also taken our Band Clubs out into the community, delivering taster sessions at outreach events including the Right to Succeed Block Party in North Birkenhead and the Summer of Music installation at the Pyramids Shopping Centre.

But this isn’t the end of the project.

All of the responses will be analysed and brought together in a report, which will help us identify opportunities for future projects and activities. We’ll then work with local people to explore the findings and shape the next phase of the project together.

Regenda Homes is also supporting the project as a Neighbourhood Partner. This work will support the delivery of Regenda’s Neighbourhood Strategy and engage residents on how they feel about their neighbourhood and identify any barriers to accessing culture and arts locally.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to get involved please contact:

Akasha Costello, Neighbourhood Outreach Officer, akasha@futureyard.org

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