A recurring theme that people speak to us about is the need for greater co-ordination and connectivity across the regional music scenes.

UK Music suggests a key way of addressing this issue is to establish a Music Board, which can co-ordinate strategy to support the music industry and venues, nurture future talent and act as focal point to boost growth and jobs in the sector.

A board would bring together key stakeholders to analyse the current state of music in the region and to advise and develop policy. The Board should include representatives from local authorities in key areas such as planning, the police, licensing and cultural development. It should also act as a conduit between the industry and funding bodies.

There are several examples of music boards and similar bodies playing a vital role in supporting local music scenes.

In San Francisco, the successful Entertainment Commission has the status of being a “statutory
consultee” in planning disputes affecting music venues and can fight on their behalf.

In Seattle, the city music commission is a body of industry experts appointed to advise the music and film office on their work programme.

In London, a board was developed around a series of key priorities and has played an important role in ensuring the city’s vibrant and diverse music scene is protected. It has helped successfully
challenge policies that were seen to discriminate against certain musical genres.

UK Music has already helped establish music boards/commissions in South Yorkshire, Liverpool and Greater Manchester.

There are are also boards, or similar similar bodies in Bradford, Cardiff, Bristol and the West Midlands. Know of a board that isn’t mentioned? Email us at info [at] ukmusic.org.