The crisis facing grassroots music venues: how we can help
It’s no secret that the UK and Ireland’s music scenes are in trouble. Local music venues are shutting down at an alarming rate, taking away important community spaces and platforms for emerging talent. These closures particularly impact neurodiverse individuals who rely on these safe, inclusive environments to thrive. 2023 has been dubbed the "most challenging year" for these venues, with an average of two venues closing for good every week, highlighting the urgent need to address this cultural loss.
The size of the problem
Last year 125 UK venues stopped hosting live music, with over half closing their doors permanently. The North West of England was especially hard-hit, losing 19 grassroots venues, followed closely by 17 in London and 16 in Yorkshire and the Humber. The financial strain has been the main reason for 42% of these closures. The cost of living crisis has led to reduced attendance, making it harder for venues to survive.
Initiatives making a difference
There are several initiatives making a positive impact, and they need public support to continue:
1. Community Ownership: The Music Venue Trust (MVT) started the #OwnOurVenues campaign, raising £2.3 million to buy the freeholds of nine venues and bring them into community ownership. This not-for-profit model gives locals a stake in their venue, ensuring it remains a community space.
2. Main Stage Initiative: Partnering with MVT, The Independent launched "Main Stage," a year-long initiative spotlighting grassroots music venues. Each month, one venue from each of the 12 UK regions receives editorial coverage and free advertising to boost its profile.
3. Supporting Grassroots Music Fund: Arts Council England, with support from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, has invested £5 million into grassroots music, benefiting venues, festivals, and promoters alike.
4. Artist Support: Some successful musicians are stepping in to help. For instance, Enter Shikari has promised to donate £1 from every ticket sold during their UK and Ireland arena tour to the Music Venue Trust.
5. Save Our Scene: Since COVID the vocal advocate for the UK's live music scene has produced live events, music and campaigns to build awareness and save the UK electronic music scene. By becoming a member you get access to all of their events and contribute to their efforts.
Sister Midnight
Sister Midnight in Lewisham, South-East London, is a great example of community ownership in action. Starting in 2021, the campaign aimed to convert a closed pub into a community-owned music venue. Despite facing obstacles, they secured a 7-year rent-free lease on a former working men's club in Catford.
Through local investments and donations, they raised £260,000. Their efforts have led to the creation of a new 250-capacity venue with a rehearsal space, recording studio, and community café. Sister Midnight’s success demonstrates the power of community effort and shows how much can be achieved when people come together to protect these vital spaces.
What we can do to help
If you care about live music and want to help protect neurodiverse-friendly spaces, there are several ways to get involved:
1. Attend Local Gigs: The simplest way to support grassroots venues is by going to their shows and buying tickets.
2. Support Community Ownership Initiatives: Contribute to campaigns like #OwnOurVenues or similar local efforts, either by investing or donating.
3. Engage with Awareness Campaigns: Follow and share content from initiatives like The Independent’s "Main Stage" to spread the word and raise awareness of the issue.
4. Contact Your Representatives: Lobby your local government to back policies supporting grassroots venues, such as the proposed ticket levy for larger events.
5.Volunteer: Many venues depend on volunteers. If you have time, offer your help to keep these places running smoothly.
By taking action, we can help safeguard the vibrant music scenes of the UK and Ireland. These venues aren’t just for live music – they’re crucial for fostering creativity, building community, and providing welcoming spaces where everyone can feel at home.
Together, we can help keep the music playing!