In a press statement, Mark Wordsworth (chairman of the Trustees of the Foundation) said, "Previously we have concentrated on fine art and arts education, but we have decided to help a broader scope of people and projects directly with the funds invested from the Picasso sale. Andrew Lloyd Webber is delighted that the money he gifted to the Foundation is now being used to contribute to a wide range of projects and is making a significant difference to many people’s lives."

Amongst the initial beneficiaries are Chickenshed, an all-inclusive youth theatre company, towards their BTEC programme; Haringey Shed, a performing arts group, for the refurbishment of new premises; and the Orpheus Centre, a performing arts college for disabled young adults, to fund arts bursaries over a three-year period. A £250,000 donation has been made to the UK charity Nordoff Robbins, which specializes in providing music therapy sessions in its own centres and units as well as in hospitals, day centres and schools nationwide.

For further details on beneficiaries and making grant applications, visit www.andrewlloydwebberfoundation.com.