Music Venue Trust has launched its Manifesto for Music Venues 2017, which contains three commitments it is asking prospective MPs to make as part of their election campaigns.
The commitments are as follows:
1. Reform Cultural Funding - Invest in GMV Infrastructure
2. Take Action to Increase and Reward Private Investment
3. Cut Red Tape and Reduce Costs
Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT, said: “Grassroots Music Venues are vital incubators of talent, the ignition system of a global industry that is worth £4.1 billion to the UK economy. In 2016, UK artists accounted for seven of the year’s Top 10 best-selling artist albums in the world. If we want future UK musicians to continue to produce that music for us, they, and the technicians, crew, promoters, security who work with them, deserve world-class Grassroots Music Venues to create, develop and grow that music.
"We’ve been researching, discussing and debating what’s happened to our Grassroots Music Venue touring circuit for the last three years. It’s time for action. We are laying out three deliverable, achievable, and sensible actions a future government can take to support them to achieve their full potential. We want every prospective MP to read those commitments and pledge to support them.”
The full Manifesto for Music Venues 2017 is available to read at the Music Venue Trust website.
To discuss the Manifesto for Music Venues 2017, Music Venue Trust will be hosting a special panel at The Great Escape on Thursday, May 18 at 1pm in The Founder’s Room, Brighton Dome. The event will commence with a presentation by Tom Kiehl (UK Music) of the UK Music Manifesto on behalf of the whole music industry. MVT Strategic Director Beverley Whitrick will then respond with the specific detailed proposals from MVT that focus on the needs of Grassroots Music Venues. Party representatives including Baroness Maggie Jones (Labour), Joe Miller (Conservatives), Lord Tim Clement-Jones (Lib Dem) and Amelia Womack (Green) will then discuss their responses to the Manifestos, in a panel moderated by Phil Nelson, music industry ambassador for BIMM.
The panel is open to all Great Escape delegates, or by special invitation. If you would like to attend, contact info@musicvenuetrust.com.
