LIVE Trust Distributes First £500,000 In Funding
LIVE Trust is delivering funding where it is most needed with an initial focus on the grassroots music sector in a bid to combat venue closures, a reduced touring circuit and festival cancellations.
The escalating cost of event production, touring and venue operation has aligned with the continuing cost of living crisis to further squeeze this vital part of the music ecosystem.
The LIVE Trust was established by LIVE, the representative body for UK live music, in response to this challenge, recognising a call to action from industry, Parliament and Government. Funding, which comes from a voluntary contribution of £1 per ticket on shows over 5000 capacity, is being placed with expert music industry organisations that can have an immediate and positive impact across the grassroots music sector.
Each organisation has set out exciting plans for specific programmes of activity and support. Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE & LIVE Trust said, “It has been quite a journey over the last year as we registered the Trust with the Charity Commission, appointed trustees, developed a grant making strategy and built support across UK live music. I would like to thank the LIVE Board, our trustees and every promoter, manager, venue, agent and artist that has stepped forward in support of this vital work.”
LIVE Trust chair, Kirsty McShannon said, “This truly is a landmark moment for the Trust as this first phase of funding is delivered to our partners. Their plans are exciting and will deliver real, lasting change for artists, venues, promoters, festivals and the next generation of crew across the UK. With an ever-increasing number of tours coming on board, we hope and expect that this demonstration of what the Trust is all about, will mean even more supporters joining the cause.”
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray said, “The UK’s world-famous music industry relies on the strength of our live music scene. It is brilliant to see those at the top of the business are supporting the grassroots and shoring up the pipeline of British talent. This initiative, which the government has played an active role in encouraging uptake of, will help secure this talent pipeline for the future. I would continue to urge all major players in the music industry to get involved, to bolster the grassroots and secure the British stars of the future.”
LIVE Trust are proud to be funding the following programmes:
Micro & Very Small Festivals Development Programme (Association of Independent Festivals)
Independent Promoters Grassroots Bursary Scheme (Association of Independent Promoters)
UK Artists Touring Fund (Featured Artists Coalition, Musicians Union, Music Managers Forum)
Music Venue Support (Music Venue Trust)
Volume Control Enhanced (Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast)
Music Futures (Production Futures)
Developing Scotland's Emerging Live Sector (Wide Events, Scotland)