Take it Away Scheme a Massive Success

Now in its sixth month, the Take it Away sceme from the Arts Council England has enabled well over 1600 musicians buy musical instruments...

Copy of article dated 03/12/07 - Source: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk

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We’re delighted that since the launch of Take it away in July, over one million pounds worth of instruments have been sold, enabling around 1,677 people to buy an instrument with an interest free loan. That’s enough people to start 20 large orchestras, or for over 400 new Klaxons to form!

The most popular instruments bought on the scheme so far have been keyboards, woodwind and percussion, with guitars by far and away the most popular.

About a quarter of all purchases have been for people under 18 years old. Almost half of all people who have used the scheme are on incomes of less then £22,500 a year, with 60% of customers saying they wouldn’t have been able to buy the instrument otherwise.

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More Information

If you are over 18 years old and a permanent UK resident, you can apply for an interest free loan of between £200 and £2000!

The loan is repaid over 9 equal monthly instalments with a 10% deposit paid on the day of purchase.

Example

Choose an instrument worth £300
Pay a £30 deposit and take the instrument home with you
Pay a further 9 payments of £30 via direct debit
Total amount payable £300

Call either of our stores to find out more information!

Take it Away is an Arts Council England initiative designed to help more people get involved in learning and playing music by providing an interest free payment plan for the purchase of musical instruments.

Following a successful six month pilot in the South East region, Arts Council England is now planning a national roll out of the scheme during 2007.

What will be available?

The scheme will allow customers to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free. You can also include equipment and services such as music stands, amplifiers, sheet music and tuition as part of your loan to help you manage these costs, and help your musical development.

Who can apply?
The scheme will be open to everyone but is primarily designed to help people who might otherwise be unable to afford to purchase an instrument appropriate to their needs.
You must be over 18 to apply for a loan. However, if you are under 18, a parent or guardian may be able to apply for a loan on your behalf. Don’t forget that whoever applies for the loan will remain legally responsible for the repayments and any terms and conditions that may apply.

Loans are offered subject to status and are available to individuals only.

* Typical 0% APR

Offer subject to age and status. Terms and conditions apply. Take it Away is operated by ArtCo Trading Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arts Council England. Registered address: Arts Council England, North East, Central Square, Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PJ