London-based charity Arco, which provides affordable tuition and stringed instruments to students, is seeking donations of violins and accessories on 21 June
The music charity Arco is holding a stringed instrument recycling event on Saturday 21 June, from 2-4pm. Together with fashion label TAMMAM, Arco will be collecting donations for its instrument bank, as well as raise awareness about climate change and urging action.
The event, which will be held at Yamaha Music London, Soho, W1F, will be part of Show Your Stripes Day 2025, a day-long festival that comprises a sustainable marketplace, climate-inspired fashion, as well as music performances as part of Make Music Day.
Arco will accept donations of used or unwanted violin bows, violin strings, music stands, shoulder rests, violin cases and straps for cases.
The charity likens the proliferation of cheap and damaged instruments to fast fashion, where much like the clothes people wear, the cost of repairing an instrument often outweighs the costs of buying a new instrument. Children outgrow their instruments every one to two years, with many damaged or outgrown instruments end up being unused or thrown away.
Arco highlights that many beginner violins and accessories are mass-produced in Chinese factories, shipped globally and then often redistributed in the UK. The instruments are individually packed in plastic and cardboard, with many of the instrument-making processes relying on diesel-powered machines.
Instruments donated will go towards Arco’s instrument bank, which will distribute violins to its own students, as well as external individuals in need. Cellos and violas will also be donated to those in need.
Instruments donated that are beyond repair will be used for art projects by artist Ieva Bee. Bows beyond repair will be turned into ‘baby bows,’ which are used as tools to practise beginner bow holds, and will be distributed among violin teachers for their practice.
A parent of two Arco students borrows violins from the instrument bank for free and admired the charity’s zero-waste policy: ’I didn’t know much about music, so I didn’t realise they need bigger sizes as they grow. Arco takes care of all that: they always have the right size, and we don’t have to worry about finding or paying for new ones.
’The instruments get passed on to the next child who needs them. It’s such a smart and kind idea, helping families like ours.’
Violinist Vaida Farid donated her violin case to Arco, saying ’It felt meaningful to give something a second life - reducing waste while helping a young musician access the tools they need to thrive.’
Read: String Recycling: New Life from Old Strings
Read: 5 top tips for string players to live a more eco-friendly life
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