UK organisation Sound and Music, which promotes new music and sound, has launched a public consultation designed to redefine its priorities and focus. The body is asking composers and creative artists, as well as others interested in new music including arts organisations, educators, producers, performers, and audience members, to give their opinions on Sound and Music’s past and present activities.

The consultation is part of a review of the organisation’s programmes initiated by new chief executive Susanna Eastburn. In the future the company wishes to ‘put the composer at the heart of its work’, to ‘foster ambitious, high quality work and to enable as many people as possible to engage with and be inspired by it’. It is hoped that by talking directly to composers and artists, Sound and Music will be able to shape its activities in an innovative and collaborative way.

‘This is a great time for new music in Britain,’ said Eastburn. ‘Despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn and heavy cuts in the public sector affecting both arts funding and the livelihoods of so many, the UK is arguably the most stimulating place in the world for composers or lovers of new work. However, there is far more work to do to help talented composers and creative artists at different stages, wherever they are based, to develop and stretch their imagination and skill, take risks and explore new territory, and to connect with audiences and arts organisations both here and internationally. This is what Sound and Music exists for.’

The consultation runs until December 12. See the Sound and Music website for details on how to take part.