25.07.2020: UK Music Acting CEO Tom Kiehl has welcomed Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s move to use the first tranche of the Government’s £1.57bn culture recovery fund to save grassroots music venues from going to the wall.
The Culture Secretary said £2.25 million of emergency funding would be used to save around 150 grassroots music venues from insolvency.
UK Music Acting CEO Tom Kiehl said:
“Grassroots music venues are the lifeblood of the music industry. They enable musicians and creators to cultivate their skills, artists to grow their fanbases and allow music fans an opportunity to see their heroes perform live.
“In normal times they face many challenges, yet COVID-19 has meant this foundation of the music industry is on the brink of collapse. UK Music is very grateful to the Government for making this much needed support available and asks that forthcoming details of the full £1.57bn cultural package ensure all those at risk in the music industry have an opportunity to benefit.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
“Without our grassroots music venues, we wouldn’t have The Beatles, Adele or Elton John. Nearly all of our globally successful music stars started out at UK clubs and live music venues – and we must make sure those organisations weather the Covid storm.
“The first £2.25 million of our unprecedented cultural rescue package is targeted at their survival. We’re working to deliver the rest of the £1.57 billion emergency package as quickly as possible, so that we can protect and preserve our precious culture, arts and heritage for future generations.”
According to the DCMS, the funding is due received by organisations within weeks. Further details on how organisations can apply to the £1.57 billion package will be released in the coming days.
In January, The Government increased the business rates retail discount from one-third to 50% and extended the discount to music venues.
The discount was applicable for 2020/21 and for those eligible music venues with a rateable value of less than £51,000. In March, the discount for the current financial year was extended further to 100% and applicable to music venues with a rateable value above £51,000 as well.
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